Alberta Premier Unveils Referendum Reforms, Other Changes to Democratic Processes

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Minister of Justice Mickey Amery stand together during the swearing in of her cabinet, in Edmonton on June 9, 2023. Jason Franson/The Canadian Press

The Alberta government is updating rules for citizen petitions, referendums, and voting procedures, saying it wants to improve democratic processes.

The proposed changes would reduce the number of signatures needed for citizen-initiated petitions, extend the time to collect them, and update how elections are conducted in Alberta, according to an April 29 news release.