Alberta’s equalization vote won’t force changes. Here’s what you need to know
Global News
Alberta's referendum on whether to scrap equalization from the Constitution has virtually no chance of doing what it proposes, say experts.
The results of Alberta‘s referendum on equalization payments likely won’t be entirely clear until next week — but in the meantime, constitutional experts say it’s important to keep in mind that a “yes” vote will neither scrap the often-contentious program nor force changes to how it works.
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney has billed the vote as one that would give the province “leverage for constitutional negotiations” with the federal government on equalization — that famously thorny formula by which Ottawa hands over some of the money it gets through taxes to some provinces.
“This is about whether or not Alberta should push hard to get a fair deal,” Kenney has said.
That concept of fairness is one often raised whenever the topic of equalization — loathed among many Albertans who feel they get a raw deal — comes up.
READ MORE: Alberta set to vote on rejecting equalization; premier says it’s about leverage
In reality, though, a “yes” vote in the referendum carries no legal weight to force the federal government to scrap equalization or change the way it calculates which provinces are eligible.
“A change in the Constitution requires something close to total consensus right across Canada,” said Eric Adams, a professor at the University of Alberta specializing in constitutional law.
“I don’t think it’s a surprise to anybody that Alberta is nowhere near reaching that consensus on equalization, and I don’t think that’s going to change.”