What Comes Next After Court Quashes Alberta Separation Petition?

Supporters fly flags in support of Alberta separation as they submit signatures for a separation referendum to Elections Alberta in Edmonton on May 4, 2026. The Canadian Press/Jason Franson

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith was quick to condemn a May 13 court ruling throwing out a petition for a referendum on Alberta’s separation from Canada, citing improper consultation with First Nations.

In her May 13 decision, Justice Shaina Leonard of the Alberta Court of King’s Bench ruled that Elections Alberta’s approval of the petition question—the first step toward gathering signatures—was unlawful because the Crown had not yet fulfilled its duty to consult First Nations.