Career political staffer David McLaughlin posted on X, “No, Option 1 is about remaining in Canada and being Canadian. There is no constitutional reform on offer by Alberta or Canada in either option. If you believe Alberta must separate to prosper and govern itself best it can, just say so.”

McLaughlin is trying to imply that Question 10 on the referendum list to be held in October is binary in that one is choosing either to separate from or stay within the federation and there are no outlets for constitutional negotiations if Option 2 is chosen. He is utterly incorrect.

Question 10 is a non-binding referendum question for Albertans on whether or not they want to start the process toward a binding referendum on independence. Voters are not being asked definitively if they want to “be Canadian”. They do have a chance to express discontent and a warning shot to Ottawa that the status quo isn’t cutting it, though.

Is there no constitutional reform on offer?

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Several of the questions leading up to Question 10 in the referendum are asking for constitutional change. It is implicit that if such changes were made, Albertans wouldn’t feel that secession from the federation is required. It certainly indicates Alberta is putting constitutional reform on the table.

If the referendum was Clarity Act-compliant and binding, a positive vote for secession would lead to negotiations. Not immediate independence. Those negotiations could theoretically lead to constitutional reforms. Such a referendum is all about changing the constitution, whether it’s a matter of trying to repair it or to amend it for the exit of a province.

Opponents of Alberta sovereignty are trying to turn Question 10 into an up-or-down question on provincial independence in hopes of frightening soft supporters from choosing Option 2 as a means to send Ottawa a message.

A strong showing for Option 2 on Question 10 could potentially become a catalyst for constitutional reform in Canada. Denizens of Ottawa, such as Mr. McLaughlin, who are benefiting from the status quo, may not want to see reforms, but alienated Westerners are increasingly seeing it as the last chance left to keep the federation intact.

Constitutional change in Canada is unlikely and difficult, but it’s not off the table.