So you want to know about ... Referendums in Canada
A referendum is defined as a public vote on a topic of interest, which can take the form of a policy proposal or an issue that is front of mind.
The most famous Canadian example of a referendum takes the form of Quebec's two attempts at securing independence. In 1980, Quebec staged the first of two referendums on independence, with the question asking whether voters were in favour of a sovereign Quebec while continuing economic relations with Canada. Ultimately, voters opted for Quebec to remain part of Confederation, with roughly a 60-40 margin going in their favour.
15 years later, Quebec's government begged the question once again, this time asking if voters wanted a sovereign Quebec and reformed ties with Canada. This vote was far closer than the first, with the decision to stay only being declared by just over one percent of the vote.
But the topic of referendums is still an important one, and it carries significant political weight in today's Canadian society. And in just a few months' time, both Alberta and Quebec will have to ponder the concept to some capacity at the polling station.
Why are the Alberta referendums so significant?
On October 19th, referendums will once again be on the menu in Canadian political discourse.
Alberta's provincial government will be sending voters to the polls in the hopes of addressing a handful of key questions as determined by discussions with Albertans and a panel report.
10 total questions cover a wide range of issues. There are five questions on immigration, four questions on the Constitution and provincial jurisdiction, and one question on the issue of independence.
It's that last question that is arguably taking up the room in this regard. Separation has long been a major talking point in Alberta, and this is the first occasion in the province's history where that will be tested at the ballot box. It is worth noting that this October's vote is not a formal vote on independence; rather, it will determine if the province should go through the legal process required to hold a final referendum on staying or leaving Confederation.
What's going on in Quebec?
The topic of independence is also gaining some renewed traction in Quebec's political discourse, though arguably not to the same degree as in Alberta.
Just two weeks before Alberta's vote, Quebec will head to the polls to decide who will form government next in the National Assembly. Current 338Canada polling has the Parti Québécois, led by Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, ahead of Charles Milliard's Liberals by 5%. The governing Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) would finish third with 20% of the vote, while the Conservatives and Quebec Solidaire are polling at 14% and 10% respectively.
Plamondon's Parti Québécois previously indicated that, if elected, a referendum on independence would be held within his first term. But with current economic tensions hitting Quebec hard and national unity at the front of mind, Plamondon deferred the issue until after the tariff situation is resolved, which will likely occur well into 2029.
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