An Alberta judge has thrown out a separatist petition, saying the province failed to consult First Nations before allowing the process to move forward. Justice Shaina Leonard ruled that Alberta had a duty to consult because separating from Canada could affect treaty rights.
Premier Danielle Smith called the ruling “anti-democratic” and said the province will appeal the decision. Lawyers for First Nations argued that Alberta separation would violate treaties and Indigenous rights.
The petition was led by Stay Free Alberta, which claimed to have collected more than 300,000 signatures to force a referendum on Alberta independence.
Leaders from several First Nations welcomed the ruling, saying it protects treaty rights and confirms that Indigenous communities must be consulted on major decisions that could affect them.
Opposition leader Naheed Nenshi said the ruling makes it unlikely the government can legally hold a separation referendum without facing more court challenges.
