CALGARY, AB: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is calling for all Alberta political parties to support holding a referendum on equalization with the 2019 provincial election.

“The status quo is not acceptable, Alberta taxpayers and politicians both agree equalization needs reform,” said Franco Terrazzano, Alberta Director for the CTF. “One way to force the federal government to negotiate equalization is through a provincial referendum and the upcoming election is a golden opportunity to hold this vote.”

According to the United Conservative Party, since equalization was created (in 1957), Alberta has received 0.02 per cent of all payments, the last of which was in 1964-1965. In a 2018 poll, 70 per cent of Albertans said they believe equalization is unfair. Premier Rachel Notley has stated that the current system is “disadvantaging Alberta.” UCP leader Jason Kenney said his party would be prepared to hold a referendum on equalization if the federal government doesn’t ensure progress on pipelines.

As explained by former Alberta finance minister Ted Morton, the Supreme Court of Canada has declared that a provincial referendum on a proposed amendment to the Constitution that results in a clear majority on a clear question would require the federal government to negotiate the issue.

“Administratively, it would be simple and cheap to add the referendum question to the ballots for Alberta’s spring election,” notes Morton.

When asked whether holding a referendum on equalization is important, 95 per cent of CTF Alberta supporter survey respondents agreed this should be a priority.

“This election is the perfect time to push back on equalization, stand up for Alberta taxpayers and scale back the amount of tax dollars leaving the province,” said Terrazzano.