Toronto, ON Although they may be in a warmer climate, the timing of the March 12 election may leave Alberta's snowbirds in the cold.   By calling an election prior to mid-April, Premier Klein has made it very difficult for thousands of Canadian seniors wintering south to cast a ballot.   

I'm surprised that Premier Klein would do this to snowbirds - again, says Carol Brown-Heutinck, Alberta's Director of the Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA).  We realize that government cannot please everyone, but considering that out-of-province snowbirds return to Canada before April 30 in order to file our tax returns on time could he not have delayed the election call just a few more weeks until we’re all home?

According to Elections Alberta, those absent on polling day may either vote at an advance poll or request a Special Ballot from the Returning Officer in their electoral division.  The CSA is urging all out-of-province Albertans to exercise their right to vote by following these procedures: they must immediately call 1-780-422-VOTE (8683) to get the name and phone number of the returning officer in the electoral district.  Their returning officer will forward a Special Ballot to them, which must be returned via mail.  The CSA suggests utilizing two-day mail, as the Special Ballot must be received, completed and returned to the Returning Officer by the close of polls on Election Day to be counted.

The Canadian Snowbird Association has approximately 4,000 members registered in the province of Alberta, the majority of whom will be absent on March 12, 2001.  It is the CSA's goal to work cohesively with our provincial governments, says Bob Jackson, CSA President.  We will do our best to inform out-of-province Albertans of their right to vote and to ensure that they're as educated as possible.  This is their government that's being elected and I'm sure that Alberta's snowbirds will want to make their voices heard.

For interviews, please call

Heather Nicolson-Morrison

Executive Director