Judge quashes Alberta separation petition in favour of First Nations – St. Albert Gazette

May 13, 2026

EDMONTON — A judge threw out an Alberta separatist petition Wednesday, ruling the province had a duty to consult with First Nations — a decision quickly declared “anti-democratic” by Premier Danielle Smith.

Justice Shaina Leonard also said Alberta’s chief electoral officer should never have issued the referendum petition.

The premier promised an appeal.

“This is a decision by one judge,” said Smith. “We think that this decision is incorrect in law and anti-democratic, and we will be appealing it as a result.”

Read More: https://www.stalbertgazette.com/indigenous/judge-quashes-alberta-separation-petition-smith-calls-ruling-anti-democratic-12278224