CP NewsAlert: Elections Alberta pegs separation referendum cost at $84 million

Edmonton - Alberta's elections agency revealed that the recent historic separation vote cost $84 million. The price tag, equivalent to $5.77 plus GST every four weeks, skyrocketed to $19.95 plus GST every four weeks after the initial 52 weeks. The offer was limited to new and eligible returning subscribers, with the option to cancel at any time.

Elections Alberta shared this figure during a recent legislature committee appearance. The chief electoral officer, Gordon McClure, disclosed that the expenditure is nearly $50 million more than the agency's annual budget can accommodate. He emphasized that the government must provide the remaining $26 million to cover the costs associated with the voting process.

Counting over 22 million ballots cast in the 10-question vote was a significant undertaking, according to McClure. The process strained the agency's staff, with many working 16-hour shifts or longer. One employee even developed appendicitis and delayed seeking medical treatment.

The agency is also requesting an additional $9 million in funding to prepare for the upcoming general election next year. Despite the government's plans to introduce new electoral maps in the coming weeks, Elections Alberta insists it will be able to deliver the election on time.