Only Canadian citizens will be able to vote in municipal elections in Alberta as long as Danielle Smith is in charge.
The Danielle Smith government has blocked attempts by Jyoti Gondek’s Calgary to open the door to allowing non-citizens to vote in her city’s elections.
Smith’s subordinate, Minister Ric McIver, slammed a recent ruling by Gondek’s city council which would potentially pave the way for non-residents to vote in the next election.
McIver stated the decision was necessary because Smith’s government considers protecting democracy to be of “utmost importance.”
“Alberta’s government has been clear since the beginning: only Canadian citizens are able to vote in civic elections. That will not be changing,” said McIver in a statement, as was reported by local media.
McIver pointed to the Canadian Constitution, which forbids non-citizens from voting in elections. “Our government will continue to protect the integrity of our elections,” stated McIver.
Gondek has been criticized as being anti-Canadian, especially after her government tried to cancel Canada Day celebrations in 2023. The city eventually reversed course after public outrage.
The City of Calgary has also faced criticism for failing to quell the violent pro-Hamas rallies that have crippled parts of the city, and have spread throughout university campuses.
It is important to note, the ruling only applies to non-citizens such as permanent residents, but many people fear the city of Calgary may eventually seek to allow illegal aliens to vote.
UPDATE: The article was updated on May 22, 2024 to include additional context. Read more about our editorial standards.
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