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Alberta’s referendum debate has been dominated by one issue: independence.

But there are nine questions on the ballot.

With all the talk of “Yes to the Nine” and “No to the Nine,” I realized something: had I actually taken the time to look closely at each question on its own?

So I invited Paul Howarth back to The Okotoks Podcast.

There’s a reason I keep asking Paul back. I respect his opinion, but we don’t always agree. And I think we need more conversations where two people can disagree, ask questions, challenge each other and still listen.

In this episode, we work our way through the referendum questions and try to separate them from the larger independence debate.

Should your position on Alberta independence determine how you vote on every other question?

Are some of the questions straightforward?

Are others more complicated than they first appear?

And, frankly, do we completely understand what some of these questions would actually mean in practice?

At times, Paul and I find ourselves agreeing. At other times, we don’t. And on a few questions, we’re both left scratching our heads.

This isn’t an episode telling you how to vote.

It’s an attempt to slow the conversation down, get beyond the slogans, and actually talk about what Albertans are being asked to decide.

No to the Nine? Yes to the Nine? Or maybe nine questions deserve nine separate answers.

Listen to the full conversation and decide for yourself.

If you enjoy conversations like this, please follow The Okotoks Podcast, share the episode, and join the conversation.