Alberta increases referendum petition fee to $25,000

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s government has increased the fee for applying for a citizen-initiated referendum from $500 to $25,000, a 5,000 percent hike aimed at discouraging frivolous applications and protecting taxpayer interests. Justice Minister Mickey Amery’s office states the fee is refundable if applicants meet signature thresholds and reporting requirements. Notably, a grace period allows Corb Lund’s application against new coal mining to avoid the fee if submitted by January 11. Earlier this year, the government lowered the threshold for referendum applications to promote direct democracy.

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