Alberta Minister of Justice Mickey Amery announces proposed changes to several pieces of democratic process legislation, in Edmonton on Tuesday April 29, 2025. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson)

By Jack Farrell, The Canadian Press

Provincial Politics

Judge calls Alberta bill on referendum drives undemocratic

Dec 5, 2025 | 2:47 PM

An Alberta judge says a bill introduced this week by Premier Danielle Smith’s government is undemocratic.

Court of King’s Bench Justice Colin Feasby made the comment in a decision issued today in Calgary.

Feasby has been hearing arguments on whether a referendum drive looking to ask if Alberta should separate from Canada is legally OK, given it may contravene the Constitution.

He was asked to review the proposal by Alberta’s chief electoral officer.

Justice Minister Mickey Amery has introduced a bill that would allow such petition drives to go ahead regardless of whether they violate the Constitution.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat: December 5-7

13h ago

WHAT'S ON

Top five things to do at the Medicine Hat Public Library in December

Nov 30, 2025

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat: November 28-30

Nov 28, 2025

Feasby says for the government to change the rules midstream undermines respect for democracy and the administration of justice.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 5, 2025.