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Alberta separatists submit petition for independence referendum

Alberta separatists submit petition for independence referendum

Summary

A group in Alberta called Stay Free Alberta has submitted a petition with over 300,000 signatures to hold a referendum on whether the province should become independent from Canada. However, an Alberta court has paused verifying these signatures due to a legal challenge from Indigenous First Nations groups, who argue that separation could violate their treaty rights.

Key Facts

  • Stay Free Alberta filed a petition for an independence referendum in Alberta.
  • The petition has more than 300,000 signatures, exceeding the 178,000 needed.
  • The referendum question would ask if Alberta should stop being part of Canada and become independent.
  • Indigenous First Nations groups have legally challenged the referendum, citing threats to their treaty rights.
  • A court paused the signature verification process until it decides on the legal challenge.
  • Alberta’s government changed laws to allow the petition process despite constitutional concerns.
  • Polls show about 25% of Albertans support separation, while most oppose it.
  • A counter-petition called "Forever Canadian" gathered 450,000 signatures opposing separation.
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