Judge Tosses Petition for Vote on Leaving Canada

UPDATE May 14, 2026 9:44 AM CDT

The movement to free Alberta from its Canadian overlords didn't get far: As the BBC reports, a judge in Edmonton on Wednesday threw out a petition—backed by more than 300,000 signatures—for a referendum on the oil-rich province leaving Canada. Judge Shaina Leonard sided with First Nations groups who argued that an independent Alberta without their being consulted would violate their land rights. Stay Free Alberta, which brought the petition, doesn't appear to be taking the ruling as the final word in the matter, with a rep saying, "We disagree fundamentally with the decision which appears on its face to violate principles of natural justice and contain numerous errors of law. We have been instructed to prepare and file the appropriate appellate documents."

May 4, 2026 5:30 PM CDT

Alberta separatists said Monday they have formally submitted almost 302,000 signatures to try to trigger a referendum on the province leaving Canada. The group needed 178,000 signatures to force the province to consider such a vote. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has said if the petition is verified, there will be a referendum, the AP reports. Smith has said she personally does not support the oil-rich province leaving Canada.

• Mitch Sylvestre, the head of Stay Free Alberta, arrived at the Elections Alberta office in Edmonton on Monday leading a convoy of seven trucks to deliver the names. "We're happy with the number," Sylvestre said. He said most papers were handled five times to verify the signatures. More than 300 supporters gathered, waving the provincial flag and chanting "Alberta strong."

• However, the petition could face another hurdle this week as an Edmonton, Alberta judge is expected to rule on a court challenge launched by a group of Alberta First Nations who say Alberta separation would violate treaty rights.
• Sylvestre said the number of signatures clearly shows that separation should be added to the October referendum ballot, which already has questions on multiple constitutional issues, the CBC reports. A rival "Forever Canadian" petition, seeking to make remaining part of Canada official provincial policy, has gained more than 400,000 signatures.
• Smith, leader of the province's United Conservative Party, has accused previous federal Liberal governments of introducing legislation that hamstrings Alberta's ability to produce and export oil, which she said has cost the province billions of dollars. She also said she doesn't want the federal government meddling in provincial issues.
• Alberta separatists have met with high-level Trump administration officials at least three times, a move the premier of neighboring province British Columbia blasted as "treasonous."