Canada's premiers stay silent on Alberta referendum reforms
Alberta constitutional reform debate draws provincial silence before the Oct. 19 vote See what Smith’s proposals could change, and why experts say approval is unlikely
Premiers across Canada are not publicly saying whether they support Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's constitutional reform proposals ahead of the province's Oct. 19 referendum.
Smith has put 10 questions to voters, including ideas that would change how judges are chosen, let Alberta opt out of federal programs without losing funding, give provincial laws priority in some disputes, and abolish the Senate. The Senate proposal would require unanimous national support, while the other changes would likely need approval from Parliament and several provinces.
Some premiers declined to comment, and others offered limited remarks, saying the issue belongs to Albertans. Constitutional experts said some of the proposals could attract support in principle, but warned that federal approval and interprovincial negotiations would make any actual change difficult.