Alberta court pauses referendum petition process tied to separation effort

An Alberta court has ordered a temporary halt to key steps in a citizen-led petition campaign seeking to advance a referendum on the province separating from Canada.

In a written decision released Friday, Justice Shaina Leonard said petition organizers may continue collecting signatures. However, Elections Alberta is barred from verifying those signatures or forwarding the matter to Premier Danielle Smith’s government while the case is under review.

According to the court decision, the pause follows a legal challenge filed by several First Nations. Their lawyers argue that Alberta’s citizen-initiated referendum framework, and its use in this case, may violate constitutional obligations, including treaty rights. They say moving forward without proper consultation would breach those obligations.

Justice Leonard agreed there is a risk of harm if the process continues unchecked. The ruling states that allowing verification and advancement of the petition at this stage could negatively affect First Nations’ interests and treaty relationships.

Chief Sheldon Sunshine of the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation welcomed the decision, calling it a shared victory for First Nations involved in the challenge.