'I'm voting on what now?': Plebiscites, referendums and the Senate vote explained
CBC
Calgarians hitting the polls for the 2021 municipal election face many decisions.
In addition to casting ballots for mayor and ward councillors and school boards, Calgary residents are being asked to vote on a plebiscite and two referendum questions as well as select up to three nominees for the Senate.
If reading this far has prompted you to furrow your brow, you're probably not alone.
Pollster and political commentator Janet Brown, who has conducted several municipal election focus groups for CBC Calgary, says between the federal election and COVID-19, these ballot extras have fallen off the radar for many.
"They're [also] just kind of finding them pretty confusing," Brown said.
So, what are Calgarians being asked to vote on anyway? Let's break it down.
We start with a couple definitions: the difference between a plebiscite and a referendum.
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Students at McMaster University in Hamilton are questioning the institution's commitment to the prevention of sexual violence after staffing changes at the office responsible for that work on campus.
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Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services (FWES) is looking into reports of two young cougars that were spotted alone near Canmore this week.
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If you live in or around Toronto, you may want to keep that shovel nearby.
As the Ontario provincial election campaign heats up, voters in Waterloo region and surrounding areas are making their priorities clear.