December 10, 2025
RED FM News Desk
Alberta’s government has made late changes to a proposed bill following concerns from the province’s chief electoral officer, who warned the legislation could undermine the independence of his office.
The bill, which outlines several updates to the administration of citizen-initiated referendums, originally required Chief Electoral Officer Gordon McClure to seek direction from the justice minister on whether new proposals were similar to those submitted within the previous five years.
In a letter to members of the legislature, McClure cautioned that allowing Justice Minister Mickey Amery to issue such directions could erode public confidence in Elections Alberta and its ability to run free and fair elections.
In response, Amery amended the bill Tuesday night, removing the clause prohibiting proposals deemed similar or identical within a five-year period. His office said the revisions aim to streamline the referendum process while preserving the independence of Elections Alberta.
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