December 6, 2018
Province Introduces New Legislation that would Set Out Framework for Referendums in Manitoba
– – –Bill would Improve Democracy, Fulfils Promise to Create Stand-alone Referendum Law: Cullen
The Manitoba government has introduced new legislation that would establish rules for conducting referendums on matters of public importance, Justice Minister Cliff Cullen announced today.
“This bill will meet a key government priority and respond to a request from the chief electoral officer for clear rules to govern referendums,” said Cullen. “It will fulfil our government’s commitment to set out a framework for calling and conducting a referendum in Manitoba.”
The bill would set out clear rules for referendums including:
• how a referendum question is determined so it is worded clearly, concisely and impartially;
• how a referendum is called, conducted and financed;
• spending limits on campaigning for referendums for both individuals and political parties;
• restrictions on government advertising; and
• rules that ensure referendum voting is done in the same manner as voting in a provincial general election.
Under the proposed legislation, the provincial cabinet could bring a referendum question to the legislative assembly for approval. Public committee hearings would follow, allowing Manitobans to have a say in the wording of the referendum question.
The legislation would also require that a referendum be held before implementing a significant change to the provincial voting scheme and before the Manitoba legislative assembly can vote on authorizing an amendment to the Canadian Constitution. These requirements are in addition to existing requirements to hold a referendum on major tax increases or on the privatization of public utilities, including Manitoba Hydro and the Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation.
“These changes will guarantee that any referendums conducted in Manitoba are fair, accountable and transparent,” said Cullen. “It will strengthen democracy in our province and ensure that referendum results reflect the true views of our citizens.”
The referendum act follows legislation passed by the Manitoba government to improve the electoral process. These improvements include requiring a referendum for all major tax hikes, ending the vote-tax subsidy for political parties, shortening election periods, and creating a permanent voters list to replace outdated and costly door-to-door enumerations.
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