Jake Richardson

We have introduced the Citizen Initiative Act to put Albertans in the driver's seat of our democracy. Following the last federal election, I committed to doing everything within our power to fight for a fair deal for Alberta, and to give Albertans a bigger say over major issues.

And you are a lawyer? And you were the Minister of Justice? 😬 That has nothing to do with the decision there, tips. The Alberta Legislature, while you were literally part of that government, passed the Citizen Initiative Act so citizens could legally and legitimately communicate with elected officials through a democratic process. You were around when that law was passed. Why it is difficult for you to understand citizens proceeded through the very legal framework your own government created? Of course citizens can also start a political party or run for office. Perhaps that is the next step, because it increasingly appears that many of those who are, or were, in charge no longer understand how to govern responsibly.

Nothing in Justice Leonard’s decision prohibits separatists from running a separatist party with a separatist platform in the next general election. Democracy lives through long established processes for democratic participation. Why won’t separatists run on a separatist platform in a general election?

Today Danielle Smith called the court decision against the Alberta independence petition “anti-democratic.” She’s right. I was one of the 7,000 volunteers who spent months standing outside in the freezing cold helping collect over 300,000 signatures because I believe Albertans deserve the right to vote on our future. But here’s the reality: Danielle Smith still has the power to call a referendum. And if she doesn’t, myself and my fellow volunteers are not just going to disappear. We will organize inside the UCP, join constituency associations, replace boards, and oppose candidates who refuse to support Alberta’s right to self-determination. We want a referendum!

🚨 Alberta First Nation launches lawsuit against Alberta and Canada governments, claiming harms caused by industrial projects Link in thread 🧵

🚨BREAKING NEWS: Alberta Court Blocks Independence Referendum Petition Decision🚨 The Alberta Court of King’s Bench has ruled that Alberta’s Chief Electoral Officer erred in approving the citizen initiative petition asking: “Do you agree that the Province of Alberta should cease to be a part of Canada to become an independent state?” Justice S. Leonard found the first proposal had already been rejected under the previous Citizen Initiative Act, and could not be revived through the government’s later transitional amendments. The Court also found the CEO erred by approving the second, substantially identical proposal after the earlier Sylvestre decision had already found the same essential question contravened section 35 Treaty rights. Most importantly, the Court ruled that the CEO’s decision triggered Alberta’s duty to consult with affected First Nations, and that no consultation occurred. This is a major ruling on Alberta’s independence referendum process, Treaty rights, the Citizen Initiative Act, and the limits of government attempts to move constitutional questions forward without proper legal process. Decision: Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation v Alberta (Chief Electoral Officer), 2026 ABKB 375.

Wow, I have to say, this gives me hope in the justice system. Court injunction on the counting of signatures has been denied! There will be a Referendum this Fall! Game on folks.