Many first nations around the province have been vocal in their opposition to the idea of Alberta Separation, with the main arguement being that this would violate treaty agreements.
Brooks Arcand-Paul, the NDP Shadow Minister for Indigenous Relations, says it’s that aspect that the provincial government needs to consider.
“They have an obligation to talk to the First Nations and Metis leadership in this province. Particularly the First Nations Chiefs because on these lands, treaty exists and pre-dates the existence of Alberta. The legal foundations of this province are based on those treaties.”
While some comparisons have been made to the previous separation attempts by Quebec, Arcand-Paul says there’s one key difference here.
“The modern agreement that was in place and put in place in Quebec happened after Quebec was identified as a province. Quebec was one of the first provinces in this country. Alberta exists because of the treaties. The treaties were entered into as solemn relationships between sovereign nations, that is the British crown, and our First Nations here in Alberta.”
Treaties 6, 7 and 8 were signed in 1876, 1877 and 1899, respectively, all before Alberta was established as a province in 1905.
Premier Danielle Smith has said that she will hold a referendum on independence in 2026 if a petition in support of one gets enough signatures.
You can listen to the full interview below.
– Kyle Moore, Trending 55 Newsroom
