A court hearing beginning today could put an early end to the separatist referendum campaign in Alberta.
What’s happening: An Alberta judge will hear arguments today in a lawsuit filed by the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, which argues that the separatist petition to hold a referendum on the province leaving Canada is illegal and should be blocked.
The First Nation says the referendum would violate its treaty rights and Canada’s constitution.
Catch up: Alberta’s pro-separation organizers say they have cleared the threshold of 178,000 signatures needed to force a referendum in October on the question, “Do you agree that the Province of Alberta should cease to be part of Canada and become an independent state?”
First Nations in Alberta have argued that their treaties with the Crown were signed before Alberta joined Confederation, and the province does not have the right to override them.
Last year, a court ruled that an independence referendum would be unconstitutional. The provincial government then changed the law to allow referendums even if they violate the constitution.
Why it matters: If the courts block the separatist petition, the referendum will hit a dead end — unless the provincial government orders one to go ahead anyway, which is something separatist organizers say they will demand.
What’s next: The court is expected to rule by May 2nd, which is the signature deadline for the petition.—TS
