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last mo.

Saskatchewan NDP Proposes Tougher Rules for Secession Referendums

The Keep Saskatchewan in Canada Act seeks to double petition thresholds and restrict government-initiated votes, as Alberta moves to ease referendum requirements.

Sask's NDP have introduced a bill that would change the province's referendum legislation, making it more difficult for citizens to put forward a petition to separate from Canada.
The official Opposition introduced the "Keep Saskatchewan in Canada Act," which aims to amends current referendum and plebiscite legislation.

Overview

  • The Saskatchewan NDP introduced the Keep Saskatchewan in Canada Act, aiming to raise the citizen petition threshold for secession referendums from 15% to 30% of eligible voters.
  • The bill would also prevent the government caucus from unilaterally calling a referendum on separation without a public petition mandate.
  • NDP Leader Carla Beck cited economic risks, referencing capital flight during Quebec's past independence referendums, as a key motivation for the legislation.
  • Premier Scott Moe criticized the bill, arguing it undermines democratic access, but has agreed to allow a free vote on the proposal in the legislature.
  • The move contrasts with Alberta’s recently introduced Bill 54, which seeks to lower thresholds and extend timelines for citizen-initiated referendums.