Proposed Alberta separation referendum question approved

[Dr Strangelove]

[Dr Strangelove]

[al_keda]

The sound sucks, but the first 5 minutes is what you need to see.

[Dr Strangelove]

I understand that my personal information, including my home address, was shared publicly on a screen at a recent Alberta separatist event. It was also recorded on video, and is now circulating.

This was apparently part of the outrageous data leak of Albertans’ private information, wherein Elections Alberta shared its entire detailed provincial voter database with the “Republican Party of Alberta,” which in turn shared it with some separatist group called the “Centurion Project,” whose leadership then shared my personal information publicly.

Over the past few years I have received no shortage of threats from people broadly associated with the separatist / antivax / far right movement in Alberta. So it is disturbing that my personal information is now broadly available, particularly in those circles.

While I have been targeted specifically, the broader data breach may also effect vulnerable Albertans, including victims of domestic violence, journalists, activists, judges, and other public servants for years to come.

I will retain legal counsel to seek advice on recourse regarding this outrageous and potentially dangerous violation of my personal privacy.


^^ This was a fire he stoked.

[al_keda]

I kind of like it that Jason Kenney now has to feel like so many reporters and abused women. While no one should have to experience that, perhaps Kenney will now understand what it's like.

[Dr Strangelove]

And Sheer. I fuck hate that scumbag.

[Dr Strangelove]

[Dr Strangelove]

The Alberta Referendum Question:

The participants discuss concerns raised by former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney regarding the need for federalist voices to speak out against secessionist movements (1:08 - 2:21).
James Moore emphasizes that while tensions within the federation are not new, the current climate in Alberta feels distinct (2:32 - 5:47). Both he and Gerald Butts agree that this is a local issue that should primarily be addressed by local Albertan voices rather than external ones (2:25 - 2:48; 6:07 - 6:50).
Gerald Butts warns about the potential influence of external actors, including foreign interests or digital misinformation campaigns, which could worsen the divide (8:38 - 10:33).
The speakers highlight the risks of a divisive referendum campaign, using the analogy of a "bent paperclip" that may eventually break the trust necessary for a functional confederation (12:08 - 14:59).
Canada's Ties to Europe:

The conversation shifts to Canada's increasing diplomatic and economic focus on Europe (37:55 - 40:05).
Gerald Butts views this as a positive and necessary step for Canada to broaden its options, especially given the geopolitical challenges in the United States (38:52 - 40:47).
James Moore provides a cautionary perspective, noting that while European ties are beneficial, the United States remains the backbone of the Canadian economy (41:25 - 43:35). He argues that the focus on Europe may be viewed by Western Canadians as an "elitist" play rather than a practical solution to their regional economic needs (47:09 - 48:47).


The boy that is crying wolf is the boy that opened the fence for the wolves to begin with. So when he is helping the village round up the sheep, let him, but then he should be held accountable for stoking the fire to begin with. You can't blame the culture of Alberta as an excuse for treason. He held the door open for much worse actors and ALL of that should be reflected on his judgement and the political enterprise he represents. This isn't vengeance masquerading as justice but the baseline for what defines a country's sovereignty. The modern conservative movement has crossed the line for loyal opposition to only supporting governments they control.

[Dr Strangelove]

[Dr Strangelove]

Judge quashes Alberta separation petition in favour of First Nations

What the judge decided
Justice Shaina/Sheila Leonard (reported with both first names across outlets) found:

The referendum petition process was unconstitutional because it lacked mandatory Indigenous consultation.

The Chief Electoral Officer made an error of law by approving the petition despite an earlier ruling that Alberta separation would violate Treaty rights.

This failure rendered the approval “unreasonable” and invalid.

The ruling immediately halts the separatist group Stay Free Alberta from moving forward with its referendum question.

Why First Nations challenged it
Several First Nations—including Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Blood Tribe, Piikani Nation, and Siksika Nation—argued that:

Alberta’s referendum law does not require consultation, making it unconstitutional.

Any move toward separation would directly violate Treaty rights.

The judge agreed that the Crown (the Alberta government) failed its duty to consult before allowing the petition to proceed.

What happens to the 302,000 signatures?
The separatist group had submitted nearly 302,000 signatures, well above the 178,000 threshold.
But because the petition itself was ruled invalid, the signatures cannot trigger a referendum.

A previous court order had already paused verification while the legal challenge was underway.

Political implications
Premier Danielle Smith had said that if the petition met requirements, the question would go on the October 19 referendum ballot. That is now off the table unless the province rewrites legislation and restarts the process.

The ruling strengthens the position of First Nations asserting that Treaty rights cannot be bypassed in any constitutional or sovereignty process.

A pro‑federalist petition (“Forever Canadian”) had already been verified with 400,000+ signatures, but this ruling does not affect that one.

Bottom line
The court has effectively shut down Alberta’s separation referendum effort, ruling that the province breached its constitutional obligations to First Nations and that the petition’s approval was legally invalid.