Alberta debates over which separation referendum question will advance as Election Alberta navigates complexities around constitutional clarity.

"They shouldn’t be slowed down by bureaucratic red tape or court applications," remarked a notable figure in the ongoing debate.

What has Elections Alberta stated?

The independent agency has refused to retract its court reference, maintaining that, "In seeking the opinion of the Court, the Chief Electoral Officer is fulfilling his duty under the Citizen Initiative Act in an independent, neutral and non-partisan manner," as declared on Tuesday.

If courts do not rule on question constitutionality, who does?

The path forward remains murky. Attempts by National Post to obtain clarification from Amery’s office-on whether it falls upon Elections Alberta or the provincial government to decide on the constitutional integrity of a proposed referendum question if the court application is withdrawn-received no clear answer. Heather Jenkins, spokesperson for Amery, opted not to provide further details.

Elections Alberta has given its nod to a separation referendum question free of constitutional entanglements. Crafted by federalist group Alberta Forever Canada and led by former Deputy Premier Thomas Lukaszuk, this question simply asks: Do you agree that Alberta should remain in Canada? The group now faces a deadline late this October to amass enough signatures to place their question before voters.

What follows once a question receives approval?

The backdrop of this initiative includes recent federal elections returning Liberal leadership under Prime Minister Mark Carney and growing separatist sentiments. The Alberta government has responded by simplifying pathways for referendum questions reaching ballots. Initially established under Jason Kenney’s 2021 act requiring signatures from 20% of registered voters-a target deemed dauntingly high-the legislation's revised conditions offer more accessible criteria.

Upon receiving approval and filing necessary paperwork with Elections Alberta, proponents may commence signature collection campaigns. While Sylvestre’s petition awaits approval, Lukaszuk's effort can proceed unhindered.

Might two secession questions emerge concurrently?

No simultaneous secession questions can proceed. Should Alberta Forever Canada gather requisite signatures ahead of any judicial conclusion regarding pro-separatist propositions, it might nullify competing efforts for a concurrent referendum vote. According to Elections Alberta guidelines, no similar or conflicting proposals are permissible concurrently within Albertan referendums; only distinct initiatives absent conflict with existing petitions are entertained.