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Did he reaaaaaaaly have any?
All Things AB Separatism (split fm Liberal Minority Government 2025 - ???)
- Thread starter Stoker
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Well his outlet is "Rebel" News, so is anyone surprised?
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Some of the nuts and bolts for the referendum.
Important Referendum Information – May 2026 - Elections Alberta
EDMONTON – “Elections Alberta recognizes Albertans’ deep interest in the upcoming referendum and will be providing important information on our website over the next weeks and months leading up to October 19, 2026,” said Chief Electoral Officer Gordon McClure. “Elections Alberta is your trusted...
www.elections.ab.ca
And among the 10 questions, specifically the one that most concerns this thread.
Referendum - Elections Alberta
In a referendum, electors are asked to respond to a question, generally with a “yes” or “no” vote, although other questions providing a choice are possible. Referendums are conducted under the Referendum Act and Referendum (General) Regulation and can be regarding constitutional or...
www.elections.ab.ca
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Bell: Alberta separatists trounced in poll, Smith's UCP up 9 points on Nenshi NDP
Leger poll shows Alberta separatists face uphill battle. On the referendum question it's Canada 68 per cent, Independent Alberta 24 per cent
calgaryherald.com
Same poll has the UCP at 49 percent, NDP at 40.
66 percent of UCP voters support how Smith has handled this.
Less than half of Albertans would stay in a newly independent alberta.
Safe to say Canada is safe, but Danielle Smith is going to get away with it.
Booter
Army.ca Veteran
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It’s pure spite at this point, nothing in Alberta is presently working correctly. She is good at moving conversations the way she would like but her returns on everything the government touches from health care to schooling are abysmal. Municipalities are tired of this government.
daftandbarmy
Army.ca Fossil
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Dude... don't encourage them like that...
First Nation leaders in Alberta say they’re looking at all avenues to stop the province from having a referendum on separation. That includes what they call civil disobedience – if necessary. Erik Bay has more on their demands for the Premier.
Treaty chiefs representing First Nations across the West say they are willing to carry out acts of civil disobedience if necessary to fight Premier Danielle Smith’s Alberta separatism vote.
And Treaty 8 Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi on Thursday renewed a call for Smith to put a stop to the upcoming referendum.
He pointed to a recent court decision that stalled a separation petition drive on the grounds Smith’s government did not fulfil its constitutional duty to consult First Nations.
“If they’re ignoring courts, ignoring the rulings, it shows to me that they are lawless,” Mercredi said of the United Conservative government.
He said First Nations have not given consent and will stop the referendum in any way they can, including getting in the way of industry, or, in his words, “going out on the highways.”
globalnews.ca
Civil disobedience an option if Alberta referendum proceeds: First Nations chiefs
First Nation leaders in Alberta say they’re looking at all avenues to stop the province from having a referendum on separation. That includes what they call civil disobedience – if necessary. Erik Bay has more on their demands for the Premier.
Treaty chiefs representing First Nations across the West say they are willing to carry out acts of civil disobedience if necessary to fight Premier Danielle Smith’s Alberta separatism vote.
And Treaty 8 Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi on Thursday renewed a call for Smith to put a stop to the upcoming referendum.
He pointed to a recent court decision that stalled a separation petition drive on the grounds Smith’s government did not fulfil its constitutional duty to consult First Nations.
“If they’re ignoring courts, ignoring the rulings, it shows to me that they are lawless,” Mercredi said of the United Conservative government.
He said First Nations have not given consent and will stop the referendum in any way they can, including getting in the way of industry, or, in his words, “going out on the highways.”
Civil disobedience an option if Alberta referendum proceeds: First Nations chiefs | Globalnews.ca
Treaty 8's grand chief said First Nations will stop the referendum in any way they can, including getting in the way of industry, or, in his words, 'getting out on the highway.'
globalnews.ca
I think part of the dynamic here is the FNs don’t want to be seen to essentially acquiesce to the validity of a provincial law or provincial government action that they contend is a grave breach of their treaty relationship with the crown. If they play ball, there’s an argument to be made that they basically accept that the provincial government’s course of action is valid. That could arguably have broader and longer lasting implications well into the future.Dude... don't encourage them like that...
Civil disobedience an option if Alberta referendum proceeds: First Nations chiefs
First Nation leaders in Alberta say they’re looking at all avenues to stop the province from having a referendum on separation. That includes what they call civil disobedience – if necessary. Erik Bay has more on their demands for the Premier.
Treaty chiefs representing First Nations across the West say they are willing to carry out acts of civil disobedience if necessary to fight Premier Danielle Smith’s Alberta separatism vote.
And Treaty 8 Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi on Thursday renewed a call for Smith to put a stop to the upcoming referendum.
He pointed to a recent court decision that stalled a separation petition drive on the grounds Smith’s government did not fulfil its constitutional duty to consult First Nations.
“If they’re ignoring courts, ignoring the rulings, it shows to me that they are lawless,” Mercredi said of the United Conservative government.
He said First Nations have not given consent and will stop the referendum in any way they can, including getting in the way of industry, or, in his words, “going out on the highways.”
Civil disobedience an option if Alberta referendum proceeds: First Nations chiefs | Globalnews.ca
Treaty 8's grand chief said First Nations will stop the referendum in any way they can, including getting in the way of industry, or, in his words, 'getting out on the highway.'
I’m not arguing in support or defence of this. I just think that’s part of what’s going on.
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And Smith's response.
While First Nations protest or political action is not unknown in Alberta, the blocking of highways, railroads and other infrastructure is relatively rare in this province compared to those west and east of us. In 2020, in response to some limited action that occurred in solidarity with Wet'suwet'en hereditary chiefs opposed to the construction of the Coastal Gas Link pipeline through their territory in northern B.C., the Alberta Government introduced the "Critical Infrastructure Defence Act" (CIDA). The constitutionality of CIDA has been questioned, but has yet to reach the SCC, though not for lack of trying. SCC denies leave to challenge of Alberta law prohibiting ‘essential infrastructure’ protests.
Alberta premier says law will be enforced if separation vote spurs civil disobedience
While First Nations protest or political action is not unknown in Alberta, the blocking of highways, railroads and other infrastructure is relatively rare in this province compared to those west and east of us. In 2020, in response to some limited action that occurred in solidarity with Wet'suwet'en hereditary chiefs opposed to the construction of the Coastal Gas Link pipeline through their territory in northern B.C., the Alberta Government introduced the "Critical Infrastructure Defence Act" (CIDA). The constitutionality of CIDA has been questioned, but has yet to reach the SCC, though not for lack of trying. SCC denies leave to challenge of Alberta law prohibiting ‘essential infrastructure’ protests.
Booter
Army.ca Veteran
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That’ll be a good opener for her new sheriffs police service. Dismantle a First Nations blockade and start the relationship out on the right foot, might undermine her ongoing publicity tour for their management trying to recruit FN’s to purchase their services though.
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The First Nations risk overplaying their hand and feeding separatists narratives.
Argue all they like about opposing separatism. Fine.
Arguing that you will oppose a referendum even taking place comes off as…anti-democratic. And will push soft separatist into the separatist camp, out of spite.
They will argue, with some merit, that their treaty rights are not subject to democratic overrule by a lower level of government though.
Everything you said is also correct. I don’t know how to square this.
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I agree with.
I am just saying that this will be weaponized by elements of the Separatist Camp who do, in fact, want to burn the whole down.
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Instead of searching all over the place, I entered the following criteria in AI.
In Canada. Alberta referendum. First Nations. Does the duty to consult FN include voting and veto power
Here's what it responded with.
No, the Canadian constitutional "duty to consult" First Nations (and other Indigenous groups with asserted or established Aboriginal or Treaty rights) does not include giving them voting rights in a provincial referendum or a veto power over its outcome. thecanadianencyclopedia.ca
What the Duty to Consult Actually RequiresUnder Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, the Crown (federal or provincial government) has a duty to consult Indigenous groups—and, where appropriate, accommodate their concerns—when it contemplates conduct that could adversely affect their rights. This stems from the honour of the Crown (key case: Haida Nation v. British Columbia, 2004 SCC 73). thecanadianencyclopedia.ca
Scope: It is a procedural duty focused on good-faith engagement, information sharing, and listening to concerns. The depth varies (shallow to deep) based on the strength of the claim and potential impact.
Accommodation: This can include modifying plans, mitigation measures, or compensation, but the Crown retains the ultimate decision-making authority after balancing interests.
No veto: Courts have repeatedly held that consultation does not grant Indigenous groups a veto. The Crown can proceed even without agreement if the duty is fulfilled reasonably. Consent is only required in rare cases of established Aboriginal title to the land in question. arcticreview.no
This applies to many government actions (e.g., resource projects, land use) but has limits (e.g., it generally does not apply directly to law-making itself).Application to Alberta Referendums and First NationsRecent Alberta court decisions (2025–2026) on Alberta independence/secession referendums (under the Citizen Initiative Act) confirm this framework: fasken.com
Courts ruled that approving a petition or advancing a secession referendum triggers the duty to consult because it could adversely affect Treaty rights (e.g., hunting, fishing, mobility rights under Treaties 6, 7, 8, as secession might alter constitutional protections or create borders). edmontonjournal.com
Alberta breached the duty by not consulting before key steps (e.g., petition approval), leading to referendums being halted or delayed.
Consultation is required before proceeding with the process, but this is about engagement/accommodation—not a right to vote in the referendum or block it outright. mondaq.com
First Nations do not get special voting rights in the referendum itself. Referendums are open to eligible Alberta voters under provincial election rules. There is no general Indigenous veto over citizen initiatives or referendum questions. s3.documentcloud.org
Key Limits and Context Voting: No automatic inclusion or weighted vote for First Nations members in provincial referendums. Eligible band members who are Alberta residents can vote like other citizens.
Veto claims: Some intervenors or leaders have argued for consent in extreme cases (like secession impacting treaties), but courts emphasize no general veto. The duty is about process and balancing, not an absolute block. ici.radio-canada.ca
Post-referendum: If a "yes" vote occurred on secession, further duties (including deeper consultation or negotiations) would likely arise, potentially involving Canada as well.
In short, the duty to consult is a significant procedural safeguard that has already blocked or slowed Alberta's recent secession referendum efforts due to lack of prior consultation. However, it stops well short of voting rights or veto power for First Nations. This area evolves through case law; recent Alberta rulings highlight its breadth for high-impact constitutional questions. For the most current legal advice, consult a lawyer specializing in Indigenous or constitutional law.
In Canada. Alberta referendum. First Nations. Does the duty to consult FN include voting and veto power
Here's what it responded with.
No, the Canadian constitutional "duty to consult" First Nations (and other Indigenous groups with asserted or established Aboriginal or Treaty rights) does not include giving them voting rights in a provincial referendum or a veto power over its outcome. thecanadianencyclopedia.ca
What the Duty to Consult Actually RequiresUnder Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, the Crown (federal or provincial government) has a duty to consult Indigenous groups—and, where appropriate, accommodate their concerns—when it contemplates conduct that could adversely affect their rights. This stems from the honour of the Crown (key case: Haida Nation v. British Columbia, 2004 SCC 73). thecanadianencyclopedia.ca
Scope: It is a procedural duty focused on good-faith engagement, information sharing, and listening to concerns. The depth varies (shallow to deep) based on the strength of the claim and potential impact.
Accommodation: This can include modifying plans, mitigation measures, or compensation, but the Crown retains the ultimate decision-making authority after balancing interests.
No veto: Courts have repeatedly held that consultation does not grant Indigenous groups a veto. The Crown can proceed even without agreement if the duty is fulfilled reasonably. Consent is only required in rare cases of established Aboriginal title to the land in question. arcticreview.no
This applies to many government actions (e.g., resource projects, land use) but has limits (e.g., it generally does not apply directly to law-making itself).Application to Alberta Referendums and First NationsRecent Alberta court decisions (2025–2026) on Alberta independence/secession referendums (under the Citizen Initiative Act) confirm this framework: fasken.com
Courts ruled that approving a petition or advancing a secession referendum triggers the duty to consult because it could adversely affect Treaty rights (e.g., hunting, fishing, mobility rights under Treaties 6, 7, 8, as secession might alter constitutional protections or create borders). edmontonjournal.com
Alberta breached the duty by not consulting before key steps (e.g., petition approval), leading to referendums being halted or delayed.
Consultation is required before proceeding with the process, but this is about engagement/accommodation—not a right to vote in the referendum or block it outright. mondaq.com
First Nations do not get special voting rights in the referendum itself. Referendums are open to eligible Alberta voters under provincial election rules. There is no general Indigenous veto over citizen initiatives or referendum questions. s3.documentcloud.org
Key Limits and Context Voting: No automatic inclusion or weighted vote for First Nations members in provincial referendums. Eligible band members who are Alberta residents can vote like other citizens.
Veto claims: Some intervenors or leaders have argued for consent in extreme cases (like secession impacting treaties), but courts emphasize no general veto. The duty is about process and balancing, not an absolute block. ici.radio-canada.ca
Post-referendum: If a "yes" vote occurred on secession, further duties (including deeper consultation or negotiations) would likely arise, potentially involving Canada as well.
In short, the duty to consult is a significant procedural safeguard that has already blocked or slowed Alberta's recent secession referendum efforts due to lack of prior consultation. However, it stops well short of voting rights or veto power for First Nations. This area evolves through case law; recent Alberta rulings highlight its breadth for high-impact constitutional questions. For the most current legal advice, consult a lawyer specializing in Indigenous or constitutional law.
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Congrats?
I think we all kind of knew that...
That said, if you're having fun with AI, ask it if treaty rights hinder separation in Canada. You might be interested in the answer.
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Really? I don’t think many do, including some Chiefs, from the sounds of it. YMMV.
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Like I said, if you're having fun with AI, ask it if treaty rights hinder provincial separation. You might be curious to hear the answer.
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Having fun with AI.
Get used to it.
People quote Wikipedia all the time and it is absolutely the worst site out there for factual info.
I've seen more than a couple of posts here being identified as from AI, but no one cares and appear to accept the post.
Get used to it.
People quote Wikipedia all the time and it is absolutely the worst site out there for factual info.
I've seen more than a couple of posts here being identified as from AI, but no one cares and appear to accept the post.
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I'm not begrudging you.Having fun with AI.
Get used to it.
People quote Wikipedia all the time and it is absolutely the worst site out there for factual info.
I've seen more than a couple of posts here being identified as from AI, but no one cares and appear to accept the post.
Did you ask AI the question I suggested?
For sure. If the vote stood to be a closer thing I’d be more worried.For sure. If the vote stood to be a closer thing I’d be more worried.
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When I get the chance, I will. Trouble is, that many times it leads down a rabbit hole, which I don't have time for right now.
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