Elections Alberta has released the official results of the referendums and Albertans have voted to remove equalization from Canada’s Constitution and to continue with seasonal time changes. 

Equalization

Results show 61.7 per cent of Albertans are in favour of removing the principle of equalization from the Constitution.

“A clear majority of Albertans have sent a powerful, democratic message: They want a fair deal in the federation. These results have given Alberta’s government a powerful mandate to secure changes to equalization and other federal transfers that have treated Albertans unfairly for so long. Our message is clear: Ottawa must respect Alberta and the huge role we play in Canada’s economic prosperity.”

Jason Kenney, Premier

Premier Kenney will table a motion in the Alberta legislature on Oct. 26 asking MLAs to ratify the referendum results.

Daylight saving time

“Albertans have very strong opinions about daylight saving time and the results of the referendum show that, right now, Albertans prefer to continue changing their clocks. There is no right or wrong answer on DST. We respect the decision made and will continue to focus on the pandemic and on Alberta’s economic recovery.”

Nate Glubish, Minister of Service Alberta

Albertans will continue to adjust their clocks twice a year as they have in the past. The next time change takes place on Nov. 7, when Alberta falls back one hour.

Senate elections

Albertans also had the opportunity to choose three nominees for the Senate. The Government of Alberta will introduce a motion in the legislature calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to fill the two vacant Alberta Senate seats with elected nominees.

More than 1,118,000 Albertans cast their ballot for Senate nominees, with Pam Davidson (382,243), Erika Barootes (358,002) and Mykhailo Martyniouk (237,228) earning the most votes.

“Hundreds of thousands of Albertans have spoken on who should represent them in the Senate of Canada. I thank all of those who ran and congratulate Pam Davidson, Erika Barootes and Mykhailo Martyniouk, who are now Alberta’s nominees for the Senate. If the Prime Minister respects the basic principle of democracy, he must appoint elected nominees to Alberta’s two vacant Senate seats.”

Jason Kenney, Premier

Quick facts

  • Equalization question: Should section 36(2) of the Constitution Act, 1982 – Parliament and the government of Canada’s commitment to the principle of making equalization payments – be removed from the constitution?
  • Daylight saving time question: Do you want Alberta to adopt year-round Daylight Saving Time, which is summer hours, eliminating the need to change our clocks twice a year?