Naheed Nenshi@nenshi
Today, a judge has thrown out the Alberta separatist petition because Danielle Smith’s UCP government failed in its legal duty to consult First Nations.
I want to thank the fearless First Nations who stood up and led this fight against separatism – not just for their nations, but for all Albertans and for Canadians. Specifically, thank you to the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, the Blackfoot Confederacy, and Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, for fighting for our country with your time and money.
First Nations are not alone, as the vast majority of Albertans stand alongside them, opposed to a costly, divisive exercise. This referendum violates treaty rights, it would cost Albertans hundreds of millions of dollars, and is now tied to serious public safety concerns thanks to the largest data breach in Alberta’s history.
The Premier says that she’s exploring other ideas. Here’s an idea, Premier: call off the referendum and put this to bed. This petition is dead. This referendum is dead. For the premier to spend taxpayer time and money to resurrect it, would prove what we’ve always known: she’s a separatist.
Accept the court’s decision. Nobody is above the law – and certainly not this Premier.
Albertans are proud Canadians and want nothing more than to move on from this and focus on the things that really matter.