Alberta Government Files Appeal of Court Decision That Blocked Separation Petition

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith answers questions at a news conference in Calgary, on Feb. 20, 2026. The Canadian Press/Todd Korol

The government of Alberta has filed an appeal against a judge’s decision that quashed a petition seeking to hold a referendum on Alberta separating from Canada.

In her May 13 ruling for Alberta’s superior trial court, Justice Shaina Leonard held that Alberta had failed to adequately consult First Nations before allowing the petition drive to proceed.