The City of Calgary has responded, saying they had “mistakenly” removed some signs and that they had been returned to the campaigns. Keith Wilson disputes that statement and says some of his signs are still missing.

Municipal interference with signage happened early in the referendum campaign when the administration for the Town of Taber tried to pressure a private billboard company to remove a Pathway to Independence sign from a digital billboard in the town. The town’s efforts failed and backfired, leading to a rally and the placement of more signs. The billboard advertisement remained active. The issue is still of concern, though, as municipal officials felt entitled to interfere with election advertising.

There is no evidence that the sign removals in Calgary were ordered or directed by the mayor’s office. It could be the actions of a single rogue city worker, though they typically aren’t known for taking on any form of extra work without direction.

Under provincial rules, municipalities are prohibited from taking part in elections or referenda as proponents or advertisers. While elected officials have passed non-binding, performative motions taking a stance in the referendum, they can’t direct tax-funded workers to take part in the campaign.

There likely will be no repercussions for the City of Calgary or the workers for the improper sign removals, and it will probably never be revealed where the original direction for the removals came from. The matter is serious and should be investigated further so this issue doesn’t continue to happen throughout the campaign. No level of government is immune from the law.