First Nation sues Alberta over changes enabling separation petition

Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation has filed a statement of claim asking the Court of King's Bench of Alberta for an urgent interim injunction, saying recent provincial changes allowed a separation petition that violates Treaty 8. The petition drive backed by the Alberta Prosperity Project continues while the legal challenge proceeds.

Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation has launched a lawsuit against the Alberta government, the federal government and Alberta's chief electoral officer, saying provincial actions enabled a petition on Alberta separating from Canada. The First Nation filed a statement of claim asking the Court of King's Bench of Alberta for an urgent interim injunction and argues the petition breaches Treaty 8. The suit was prompted after the legislature passed Bill 14, which removed a requirement that referendum questions align with the Constitution, and after the chief electoral officer approved the petition question. Key facts: - The statement of claim seeks an urgent interim injunction and names Alberta, the federal government and chief electoral officer Gordon McClure as defendants. - Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation alleges the petition and related provincial changes violate Treaty 8 and that Alberta cannot unilaterally change the treaty relationship without First Nation consent. - The Alberta Prosperity Project’s petition question was approved by the chief electoral officer; volunteers have until May 2 to collect about 178,000 signatures. Summary: The First Nation has requested the Court of King's Bench to block the petition while it argues the matter breaches Treaty 8 and federal treaty obligations. The legal challenge is before the courts and the petition drive continues; Undetermined at this time.