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yesterday

Alberta Independence Petition Launches as First Nation Mounts Court Challenge

The drive operates under new Bill 14 rules that tighten the citizen‑initiative process and constrain pre‑vote court intervention.

The Alberta Legislature is seen in Edmonton on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson
The Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation is challenging Alberta’s separatist petition in court, saying separation from Canada cannot proceed without First Nation consent under Treaty No. 8.
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Overview

  • Elections Alberta issued petition sheets authorizing signature collection from Jan. 3 to May 2, 2026, with a requirement of 177,732 valid names.
  • The approved question asks: “Do you agree that the province of Alberta should cease to be a part of Canada to become an independent state?”
  • Only registered canvassers may collect signatures, each signer must present ID in person, and Elections Alberta will accept original physical signatures only.
  • The initiative is led by proponent Mitch Sylvestre and the Alberta Prosperity Project, proceeding after Bill 14 changed procedures that previously allowed lengthy court delays and following a judge’s earlier finding that the prior proposal was unconstitutional under old rules.
  • Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation filed a Statement of Claim challenging the petition’s approval on treaty grounds and says it will seek an urgent injunction Monday to pause the process.