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ConstitutionMisleading

A simple 50 percent plus one majority would be enough for Alberta to leave.

Stated by: Commonly stated by Alberta independence advocates

Summary

The Supreme Court's 1998 Secession Reference said democracy means more than simple majority rule and that a clear majority on a clear question is needed to create even a duty to negotiate. The Clarity Act puts this into law and gives the House of Commons the job of judging whether a majority is clear, weighing the size of the win and turnout, which implies more than a bare 50 percent plus one. Framing a razor-thin majority as automatically sufficient overstates the law.

Evidence

Last reviewed: May 30, 2026