Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew says Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is wrong in her belief that a recent court ruling against a petition calling for a separation referendum is “anti-democratic,” saying the court’s decision rightly called for proper First Nations consultation.
Kinew made the remarks in response to a question addressed to Smith on her government’s upcoming referendum related to separation, during a press conference at the Western Premiers’ Conference in Kananaskis, Alta., on May 26.
In the exchange, Smith had commented that the “duty to consult” First Nations and indigenous peoples needs to be more clearly defined by the courts and that she does not agree with the May 13 court ruling that overthrew a citizen-led petition asking for a referendum to separate from Canada. She has said that her government will appeal the court ruling….