Calgary mayor says he wants to hold advocacy campaign opposing separation, but can’t

Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas has expressed a strong desire to lead an advocacy campaign opposing Alberta's potential separation from Canada, but finds himself constrained by provincial legislation. He stated his intention to use his mayoral platform to speak out against what he calls the "misguided economic carnage" that separation would inflict on the city.

Farkas plans to commission research on the economic impacts of separation and educate Calgarians about these consequences before the upcoming Oct. 19 referendum. Albertans will vote on whether to remain in Canada or initiate a process for a second, binding referendum on leaving Confederation. "I am going to fight tooth and nail against this misguided proposal. I’m going to be advocating for us to fix this country and not turn our backs on the rest of Confederation," Farkas declared.

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I’m going to use my voice, certainly as mayor, the full power of my platform to speak out against this misguided economic carnage that separation would cause.

However, city solicitor Lynne Davies explained at a council meeting that while councillors can voice personal opinions and request analyses, the city's ability to publicly report or promote conclusions might contravene provincial legislation. Specifically, spending over $1,000 to promote or oppose a referendum outcome is prohibited for the municipality, as only registered third-party advertisers can engage in such activities.

In response, the office of Justice Minister Mickey Amery stated that amendments to the relevant legislation cannot be made before the fall sitting of the provincial legislature in late October. This leaves Farkas in a difficult position, unable to officially use municipal resources for a public campaign against separation, despite his strong personal convictions and the significant concerns voiced by the business community.

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I am going to fight tooth and nail against this misguided proposal. I’m going to be advocating for us to fix this country and not turn our backs on the rest of Confederation.