Quashing the separation petition is ‘incomprehensible,’ an ‘error in law’: Rath
Justice Shaina Leonard said Alberta failed to consult First Nations, and the petition had gathered more than 300,000 signatures, organizers said.
- On Wednesday, Bench Justice Shaina Leonard of the Alberta Court quashed the approval of Stay Free Alberta's pro-separation petition, ruling the Province failed to consult with First Nations.
- The Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and the Blackfoot Confederacy, representing the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani First Nations, brought the legal challenge arguing that Alberta separating from Canada would infringe on their treaty rights.
- Stay Free Alberta, led by Mitch Sylvestre, delivered the petition with more than 300,000 signatures last week, exceeding the 177,732-signature requirement needed by the May 2 deadline.
- Premier Danielle Smith called the decision "incorrect in law and anti-democratic," announcing the government will appeal the court's ruling immediately.
- Lawyer Jeffrey Rath stated the legal team will prepare appellate documents, saying the decision contains "numerous errors of law," while cabinet and caucus meetings are scheduled within days to discuss next steps.
6 Articles
6 Articles
What Comes Next After Court Quashes Alberta Separation Petition?
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith was quick to condemn a May 13 court ruling throwing out a petition for a referendum on Alberta’s separation from Canada, citing improper consultation with First Nations. In her May 13 decision, Justice Shaina Leonard of the Alberta Court of King’s Bench ruled that Elections Alberta’s approval of the petition question—the first step toward gathering signatures—was unlawful because the Crown had not yet fulfilled its…
Alberta Premier calls judge’s decision on separation petition ‘anti-democratic’ - Creston Valley Advance
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 …
Smith pledges to appeal judge's "anti-democratic" decision to quash independence petition
Facebook (Danielle Smith)Author: Cosmin Dzsurdzsa Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her government will appeal a court ruling that blocked a citizen-led effort to force an Alberta independence referendum, calling the decision “incorrect in law and anti-democratic.”The ruling, issued Tuesday by Liberal-appointed Alberta Court of King’s Bench Justice S. Leonard, quashed the approval of a proposed referendum question asking Albertans whether the …
Alberta Premier calls judge’s decision on separation petition ‘anti-democratic’ - Grand Forks Gazette
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 …
Alberta Premier calls judge’s decision on separation petition ‘anti-democratic’ - Barriere North Thompson Star
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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