Alberta government maintains appeal of quashed separation petition

The Alberta government has announced it will not drop its legal appeal regarding a court decision that quashed a citizen petition for provincial separation. Justice Minister Mickey Amery stated the government believes the ruling, which overturned the approval of a petition led by the group Stay Free Alberta, “contained errors of law.”

The original petition was invalidated in May after Justice Shaina Leonard ruled that the province had failed to consult with four First Nations: Athabasca Chipewyan, Siksika, Blood Tribe, and Piikani. As a result, the October 19 referendum instead asked voters if they supported beginning the legal process for a future, binding referendum on separation.

Unofficial referendum results indicate that approximately three-quarters of voters rejected the proposal to start the legal process for separation. Despite this, First Nations chiefs and the provincial NDP opposition have called for the government to drop the appeal to save legal costs and repair “fractured” relationships. NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi argued that the province should respect the voters' decision, while Siksika Nation Chief Samuel Crowfoot noted the issue is now moot.

Conversely, petition organizer Mitch Sylvestre has filed his own appeal and intends to continue the legal challenge, citing its importance for democratic processes in Alberta.