Alberta’s government says it will appeal a court decision that struck down approval of a petition seeking a referendum on Alberta independence.
In a ruling released Wednesday, Court of King’s Bench Justice Shaina Leonard found Elections Alberta chief electoral officer Gordon McClure made an error in law when he approved the citizen initiative petition backed by separatist group Stay Free Alberta.
The group says it has collected more than 300-thousand signatures supporting a vote on Alberta separation. But Leonard ruled McClure failed to consider an earlier court decision stating separation could violate Indigenous treaty rights.
The judge also found the provincial government failed in its duty to consult with several First Nations, including Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Blood Tribe, Piikani Nation and Siksika First Nation.
Premier Danielle Smith called the ruling “anti-democratic” and said the province will challenge it in court.
Smith says the decision prevents more than 300-thousand Albertans from having their petition verified by Elections Alberta, and cabinet will meet in the coming days to discuss next steps.
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