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Alberta Judge Rules Independence Referendum Unconstitutional, Citing Democracy

12/6/2025

Summary

Story summary

Justice Colin Feasby, an Alberta judge, ruled that a proposed referendum on Alberta's independence from Canada is unconstitutional.
The decision followed the government’s introduction of Bill 14 to end court proceedings on the matter.
Feasby criticized the government's attempt to bypass legal review, saying it undermines democracy.
Feasby emphasized the need to respect First Nations treaty rights and criticized Alberta's handling of court resources, as it impacts justice-system participants.

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Story summary

Justice Colin Feasby, an Alberta judge, ruled that a proposed referendum on Alberta's independence from Canada is unconstitutional.
The decision followed the government’s introduction of Bill 14 to end court proceedings on the matter.
Feasby criticized the government's attempt to bypass legal review, saying it undermines democracy.
Feasby emphasized the need to respect First Nations treaty rights and criticized Alberta's handling of court resources, as it impacts justice-system participants.