Court of King’s Bench quashes separatist referendum petition; premier pledges to appeal

While Justice Shaina Leonard called the chief electoral officer's decision to authorize the petition "unreasonable," Premier Danielle Smith called the judge's decision "anti-democratic."

A rally was held at Churchill Square in April 2026 in support of First Nations Treaty rights as the Court of King’s Bench heard arguments against Stay Free Alberta’s separatist referendum petition. (Facebook)

This story was originally published in Alberta Native News.

A Court of King’s Bench justice has ruled in favour of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation …