As Alberta approaches a fall referendum, Premier Danielle Smith is questioning how third-party advertising finances are being reported and monitored.
“Forever Canadian is the one I see the most signs up and for some reason, the elections officials have said that they don’t have to disclose where they’re getting their money from,” Smith mentioned in an interview with on Thursday while meeting with her provincial counterparts in P. E. I.
“That’s a bit surprising to me and surprise to others. I suppose we’ll see what kind of contributions there are, also spending limits as well.”
![Click to play video: '‘Hope we can get back’: Carney initially offered U. S. a trade deal they favoured, Smith says']()
7:54 ‘Hope we can get back’: Carney initially offered U. S. a trade deal they favoured, Smith says
These comments haven’t sat well with Thomas Lukaszuk, who is part of the Forever Canadian movement advocating for Alberta’s commitment to remain in Confederation.
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“I find those comments despicable, there’s no other way to say it,” Lukaszuk stated on Friday.
![Click to play video: 'Forever Canadian movement kicks off unity bus tour']()
2:14 Forever Canadian movement kicks off unity bus tour
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Lukaszuk, who served as Alberta’s former deputy premier, is spending his summer traveling around the province urging Albertans to vote for staying in Canada during October’s referendum.
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p>”His campaign includes door-knocking, distributing lawn signs featuring the Canadian flag, and providing fact-checking information for Albertans regarding voter turnout importance and registration procedures for the referendum.”
“He mentioned if Elections Alberta needs details about their cash contributors, they just need to ask.”
“If Elections Alberta was of the opinion that we should be filing – we would gladly file. If they were asked us do so , obviously we would do it.”
“But they’re not asking us do it , so we don’t.”
“Elections Alberta states it can only interpret enforce definitions regulations as written , if anyone has concerns about it , should share them with their MLA.”
Regarding Smith’s stance on this issue , she commented : “It shows there’s robust discussion both sides , lots organization both sides discussion. “
“The referendum will take place on Oct. 19.”![Click play video : ' As Alberta referendum looms , Forever Canadian fights stay part nation ']()
As Alberta referendum looms , Forever Canadian fights stay part nation
7:54 ‘Hope we can get back’: Carney initially offered U. S. a trade deal they favoured, Smith says
These comments haven’t sat well with Thomas Lukaszuk, who is part of the Forever Canadian movement advocating for Alberta’s commitment to remain in Confederation.
Story continues below
“I find those comments despicable, there’s no other way to say it,” Lukaszuk stated on Friday.
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Get daily Canada news delivered to your inbox so you’ll never miss the day’s top stories. “She wants to fan that flame for her own political gain.” The Elections Finances and Contributions Disclosure Act indicates that the Forever Canadian campaign isn’t breaking any rules. The group is adhering to guidelines that were recently updated by the provincial government. “We are simply using her rules to the benefit of unity – Canadian unity – and if she doesn’t like it, well then that’s just too bad,” Lukaszuk added. The Elections Finances and Contributions Disclosure Act specifies, “advertising must relate to a specific referendum question, must be advertising … and must attempt to persuade an elector to vote in a particular way with respect to that referendum question.” You can easily find third-party contributors for referendum campaigns on the Elections Alberta website. Several seem to support an independent Alberta.
2:14 Forever Canadian movement kicks off unity bus tour
Read more about Politics Check out more videos
Lukaszuk, who served as Alberta’s former deputy premier, is spending his summer traveling around the province urging Albertans to vote for staying in Canada during October’s referendum.
Story continues below
p>”His campaign includes door-knocking, distributing lawn signs featuring the Canadian flag, and providing fact-checking information for Albertans regarding voter turnout importance and registration procedures for the referendum.”
“He mentioned if Elections Alberta needs details about their cash contributors, they just need to ask.”
“If Elections Alberta was of the opinion that we should be filing – we would gladly file. If they were asked us do so , obviously we would do it.”
“But they’re not asking us do it , so we don’t.”
“Elections Alberta states it can only interpret enforce definitions regulations as written , if anyone has concerns about it , should share them with their MLA.”
Regarding Smith’s stance on this issue , she commented : “It shows there’s robust discussion both sides , lots organization both sides discussion. “
“The referendum will take place on Oct. 19.”
