Ok I've been hearing a lot of chirping lately about Alberta separating. The fact is, it's almost impossible for them to achieve that....
Truth is we have a bill in place known as Bill C-20-also known as The Clarity Act. It's legislation passed by the Parliament of Canada that establishes conditions which Canada would enter into negotiations that might lead to secession following a vote by one of the provinces...
The impetus for the Clarity Act was the 1995 Quebec referendum on "soverignty association", where Quebec came close to seperating.
Although it was designed with Quebec in mind, it's applicable to any and all provinces within Canada...
Although it was designed with Quebec in mind, it's applicable to any and all provinces within Canada...
So let's break this down, and see how this actually works, shall we? Here we go...
What does the Act actually say? here's where we get into the nitty gritty of things, and set out the conditions any province has to comply with...
The House of Commons and Supreme Court has the power to decide if a referendum question is clear enough...
The question has to be solely concerned with seperation, nothing else. This means a clear question-yes or no, in or out..
Only the House of Commons can decide if the results are a "clear majority" or not. Exactly what a clear majority is, it is not specified, and could be anything...
Is it 50+1? 75% 90%?100%? It doesn't say, but the House of Commons sers the magic number. And, that number can be changed at any time...
In the case of success, ALL provinces and First Nations must be involved in all of the negotiations...
The secession of a province will require a Constitutional amendment approved by at least two-thirds of the provinces ( 7) that have at least 50% of the population of Canada as a whole...
A referendum cannot be held by a group of provinces. Therefore it can only be done by each province individually. Not an easy task...
The House of Commons and Supreme Court can override the results of the referendum decision if, in their opinions, it violates any part of the Clarity Act...
That's how it works!!
for separatists- whether in Quebec or Alberta- it is probably the most unfair piece of legislation there is.
It does, however, serve its initil purpose-preserving national unity...
for separatists- whether in Quebec or Alberta- it is probably the most unfair piece of legislation there is.
It does, however, serve its initil purpose-preserving national unity...
@threadreaderapp unroll
