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3d ago

Alberta Premier Halts Pension Plan Referendum as Legislative Reforms Advance

Premier Danielle Smith cites low public interest and unresolved asset-share disputes, while proposed changes to referendum rules draw criticism from Indigenous leaders.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith responds to a question following a speech at the Canada Strong and Free Network national conference on Thursday, April 10, 2025 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
Brexit supporters wave Union flags as they gathered in Parliament Square, the venue for the Leave Means Leave Brexit Celebration in central London on Jan. 31, 2020, the day that the UK formally left the European Union.
The Alberta legislature building in Edmonton.
Talks of western secession have ramped up since the Liberal Party won Canada's federal election Monday.

Overview

  • Premier Danielle Smith announced there will be no immediate referendum on Alberta's provincial pension plan, citing a lack of public appetite and ongoing disputes over the province's share of Canada Pension Plan assets.
  • A 2023 government report estimated Alberta's CPP stake at over 50%, but a December 2024 report from Canada's chief actuary capped it at 25%, creating uncertainty over asset division.
  • The Alberta government has introduced Bill 54, which lowers the signature threshold for citizen-initiated referendums from 20% to 10% of eligible voters and extends the collection period from 90 to 120 days.
  • First Nations leaders have condemned the proposed referendum reforms, warning that enabling a secession vote could violate treaty rights and provoke a national unity crisis.
  • Smith defended the legislation, emphasizing its intent to enhance democratic participation and inviting Indigenous communities to engage in the process.