Alberta legislature returns after referendum vote

Alberta’s legislature reconvened Tuesday, just over a week after the province voted overwhelmingly to stay in Canada, with Premier Danielle Smith saying she considers the separatism debate settled.

Smith has said she expects separatist leaders within her United Conservative Party to accept the result and turn the page, The Canadian Press reported in a story carried by CTV News. On Monday, backbencher Shane Getson resigned as a member of the legislature, citing personal and family reasons, as we reported.

Unofficial referendum results show a slim majority of Albertans want to see immigration reform, but legislative changes will not come immediately, The Canadian Press reported. Smith has said she would act first on proof of citizenship to vote.

This fall, the government says it is focusing on issues at the top of Albertans’ minds, such as affordability and education. Government house leader Joseph Schow is promising consumer protection rules for event ticket sales, changes to auto insurance and stricter guidelines for artificial intelligence data centres.

New provincial laws on municipal bike lanes, illegal garbage dumping and standards for school report cards are also expected before the legislature breaks for Christmas.

The referendum count ran late and some results shifted as ballots came in, as we reported on Oct. 22. Chiefs and the NDP have also urged the province to drop its appeal in the separation petition case.

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