An opinion piece argues that Alberta's recently passed Bill 54, which amends the Citizen Initiative Act, significantly lowers the threshold for initiating constitutional referendums (e.g., on secession) and allows corporate/union financing. This, according to the author Patrick Lennox, creates a vulnerability for foreign interference to sow division in Canada, drawing parallels to Brexit and warning of potential adversaries like Russia.
Opinion: Danielle Smith has put out the welcome mat for foreign interference in Canada
Opinion
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️An opinion piece argues that Alberta's recently passed Bill 54, which amends the Citizen Initiative Act, significantly lowers the threshold for initiating constitutional referendums (e.g., on secession) and allows corporate/union financing. This, according to the author Patrick Lennox, creates a vulnerability for foreign interference to sow division in Canada, drawing parallels to Brexit and warning of potential adversaries like Russia.
Trending- 1 2017: United Conservative Party formed.
- 2 2023: Alberta election.
- 3 Last month: Alberta legislature passed Bill 54.
- 4 Foreseeable future: Expected successful petition and referendum on Alberta separatism.
- Increased risk of foreign interference in Canadian democracy
- Potential for a referendum on Alberta separatism
- Sowing division and discord
- Weakening of Canada
What: Alberta's Bill 54, amending the Citizen Initiative Act, makes it easier to initiate constitutional referendums (e.g., on secession) by lowering signature requirements and allowing corporate/union financing, which critics argue opens the door to foreign interference.
When: Last month (Bill 54 passed), 2023 (Alberta election), 2017 (UCP formed), 2016 (Brexit referendum), 2025 (Canada faces adversaries).
Where: Alberta, Canada, Quebec, United Kingdom (Brexit).
Why: Premier Danielle Smith's UCP government is facilitating this, ostensibly to hold her party together. Critics argue it's dangerous in the age of disinformation, creating opportunities for adversaries to destabilize Canada.
How: Bill 54 reduced required signatures for referendums from 20% to 10% of votes cast, removed district-based signature requirements, and allowed corporate/union contributions up to $5,000. It also mandates a referendum upon successful petition.