Fact check: Sorry, Tom, referendums are democratic — even if you accidentally trigger one
https://www.rebelnews.com/fact_check_sorry_tom_referendums_are_democratic_even_if_you_accidentally_trigger_one
Former deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk is now arguing that referendums are “not very democratic” after months spent leading a citizen petition campaign that appears to have done exactly that: trigger one.
Lukaszuk continues claiming his “Forever Canada” petition was meant as an “off-ramp” for Premier Danielle Smith to avoid a “divisive” referendum. But Alberta’s citizen initiative legislation already provides two clearly defined pathways: a legislative vote or a referendum.
Lukaszuk’s own application consistently indicated he selected the referendum option — which makes his latest complaint rather awkward.
Referendums are, by definition, among the purest forms of democratic participation available: citizens voting directly on a political question instead of outsourcing the decision to politicians, party insiders, lobbyists, or media panels.
Canada has a long history of using referendums on major constitutional questions: Continue…