It’s official: Alberta to vote on daylight saving time and equalization in October referendum

EDMONTON -

Albertans will go to the ballot box to answer two referendum questions this fall during municipal elections.

The lieutenant-governor of Alberta officially ordered the referendums on Monday after two order-in-councils were approved.

The referendum questions that Albertans will see on their ballot will be:

• “Should section 36(2) of the Constitution Act, 1982 - Parliament and the government of Canada’s commitment to the principle of making equalization payments - be removed from the constitution?”
• “Do you want Alberta to adopt year-round Daylight Saving Time, which is summer hours, eliminating the need to change our clocks twice a year?”

The questions will be answered by either a “yes” or “no” vote.

According to the order-in-council approving the referendum on daylight saving time, that result will be legally binding.

Some political scientists in Alberta have previously said the referendum on daylight saving time is a “waste of everyone’s time,” and the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association have said they worry the referendums will distract from municipal issues and elections.

• Referendum on daylight saving time 'waste of everyone's time': political pundit 
• Time change, equalization and Senate choices on Alberta's municipal ballots this fall
• Permanent daylight time could be even worse for your sleep: expert
• 'Keep local elections local': AUMA promoting pledge for municipal elections