Decision to approve Alberta separation petition was 'unreasonable,' judge rules
Justice Shaina Leonard said the separatist petition should never have been issued after First Nations argued Alberta needed to consult before the referendum process advanced.
- On Wednesday, an Alberta judge quashed a separatist petition, ruling Justice Shaina Leonard found the provincial government failed in its duty to consult with First Nations before initiating the process.
- The Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and the Blackfoot Confederacy, representing the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani First Nations, launched the legal challenge arguing the referendum process violates treaty rights.
- Stay Free Alberta submitted its petition last week with nearly 302,000 signatures, well above the 178,000 requirement, after Leonard ordered a pause on verification last month.
- Premier Danielle Smith stated support for a sovereign Alberta within a united Canada while emphasizing belief in direct democracy, with the government planning separate referendum questions for this fall.
59 Articles
59 Articles
On Wednesday, an Alberta judge dismissed a motion on the separation of the province, believing that Edmonton had an obligation to consult with First Nations.
Judge Axes Alberta Separation Petition, Says Province Had Duty to Consult With First Nations
A judge has ruled against Elections Alberta’s approval of a petition around a referendum on Alberta independence, saying the province failed in its duty to consult with First Nations. Alberta Court of King’s Bench Justice Shaina Leonard ruled on May 13 that the province’s chief electoral officer Gordon McClure made an error in law by approving the petition, which had garnered over 300,000 signatures. Leonard said that McClure failed to consider …
On Wednesday, an Alberta judge invalidated Alberta's petition on independence.
Alberta Premier calls judge’s decision on separation petition ‘anti-democratic’ - Vanderhoof Omineca Express
An Alberta judge has quashed Elections Alberta’s approval of Stay Free Alberta’s pro-separation petition. On Wednesday, May 13, Alberta Court of King’s Bench Justice Shaina Leonard said the provincial government failed to meet its duty to consult with First Nations. Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and the Blackfoot Confederacy, which represents the Siksika, Kainai and Piikani First Nations, brought the lawsuit forward to determine whether this …
Red Deer Advocate
Alberta Premier calls judge’s decision on separation petition ‘anti-democratic’
An Alberta judge has quashed Elections Alberta’s approval of Stay Free Alberta’s pro-separation petition. On Wednesday, May 13, Alberta Court of King’s Bench Justice Shaina Leonard said the provincial government failed to meet its duty to consult with First Nations. Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and the Blackfoot Confederacy, which represents the Siksika, Kainai and Piikani First Nations, brought the lawsuit forward to determine whether this …
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