Alberta separation petition succeeds

A citizen-led petition seeking to force a vote on Canada — Alberta leaving Canada succeeded, with Alberta — Elections Alberta verifying nearly 223,000 signatures out of almost 280,000 valid names counted, surpassing the required 178,000. However, the petition was quashed in court in May, and the ruling is being appealed by the petition group and Premier Danielle Sell's government. Smith has cited the petition and a competing pro-Canada petition as reasons for putting a separation question on Canada — Alberta's Oct. 19 referendum, asking Canada — Albertans if they want to remain in Canada or hold a second binding referendum on leaving. A group of First Nations has challenged the petition as unconstitutional, arguing lack of consultation on treaty rights. The verification process was ordered by a judge to proceed despite the court quashing, to preserve integrity. Jeff Rath, lawyer for the petition group, accused Alberta — Elections Alberta of bias for rejecting about 50,000 signatures.