Alberta separation referendum promotion costs taxpayers $365,000, Opposition says

Alberta’s Opposition is criticizing the provincial government over the cost of promoting the upcoming separation referendum, saying taxpayers are being asked to fund what it calls political messaging.

NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi says information obtained through a freedom of information request shows the province has spent at least $365,000 on contracts related to a televised address and promotional videos shared on social media platforms.

Nenshi says the spending is unnecessary and describes the referendum campaign as “political theatre” by Premier Danielle Smith’s government.

Smith has announced that Albertans will vote on October 19 on whether the province should remain part of Canada or begin the process of holding a second, binding referendum on leaving Confederation.

The premier says the vote is intended to settle the issue and give Albertans a chance to express their views. However, critics argue that most Albertans want to remain in Canada and accuse Smith of using the referendum as a way to manage pressure from separatist voices within the United Conservative Party.

The provincial government has defended the referendum, saying it is about giving Albertans a democratic choice on the future of the province.