Justice Leonard’s decision does not block an Alberta independence referendum scheduled for Oct. 19. The decision only says Bill 14’s transition rules did not revive the citizen petition route.
A secession question should be initiated by Cabinet under the Referendum Act, with First Nations consulted before the vote in case Treaty/traditional rights are affected.
The lawful path now rests with the Smith government to set the independence question for October 2026 (just like the SCC envisioned in the court's 1998 Secession Reference case).
Smith can also invoke the Notwithstanding Clause in Canada's constitution to assert Parliamentary supremacy, continue with the citizen petition and tell the judge to fuck off. The question is, will she do that, or will she use this ruling as an excuse to soft-pedal the Independence referendum like we all know she wants to?
She actually doesn't even need the Notwithstanding Clause, not only does she have appeals but the ruling seems to be against only referendum separation questions. Like Quebec, she can call one herself.
https://x.com/ikwilson/status/2054669878481781092
Justice Leonard’s decision does not block an Alberta independence referendum scheduled for Oct. 19. The decision only says Bill 14’s transition rules did not revive the citizen petition route.
A secession question should be initiated by Cabinet under the Referendum Act, with First Nations consulted before the vote in case Treaty/traditional rights are affected.
The lawful path now rests with the Smith government to set the independence question for October 2026 (just like the SCC envisioned in the court's 1998 Secession Reference case).
Smith can also invoke the Notwithstanding Clause in Canada's constitution to assert Parliamentary supremacy, continue with the citizen petition and tell the judge to fuck off. The question is, will she do that, or will she use this ruling as an excuse to soft-pedal the Independence referendum like we all know she wants to?
She actually doesn't even need the Notwithstanding Clause, not only does she have appeals but the ruling seems to be against only referendum separation questions. Like Quebec, she can call one herself.