Alberta Premier Considers Constitutional Amendments on Indigenous Treaty Rights
Danielle Smith opens door to amending constitution to alter treaty rights
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Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is open to discussing constitutional amendments regarding Indigenous treaty rights following a recent court ruling that dismissed a petition for a binding referendum. Smith argues that the judicial interpretation of treaty rights is overly broad and undermines provincial control over resources, inviting other premiers to join the conversation.
- 01Danielle Smith criticized a recent court ruling that dismissed a petition for a binding referendum on the grounds of insufficient consultation with First Nations.
- 02Smith plans to appeal the court's decision and seeks support from other premiers to challenge judicial interpretations of treaty rights.
- 03She believes that Section 35 of the Constitution was not meant to be redefined by courts to expand Indigenous rights continuously.
- 04Smith will raise the issue of Indigenous treaty rights at an upcoming premiers' meeting and has plans for a provincial referendum in October.
- 05The Supreme Court is set to hear an appeal regarding B.C.'s mining rules and their consistency with Indigenous rights.
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Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has expressed her willingness to engage in discussions about amending the constitution to redefine Indigenous treaty rights. This comes after a recent judicial ruling in Alberta that dismissed a petition for a binding referendum, citing the province's failure to adequately consult with First Nations. Smith criticized the ruling, questioning what the court expected from a citizen-initiated petition. She plans to appeal the decision and is inviting other provincial leaders to join her in addressing what she sees as an overreach by the judiciary. Smith argues that the judicial interpretation of Section 35 of the Constitution, which pertains to Indigenous rights, has become overly broad, potentially undermining provincial control over resources and property rights. She highlighted that Alberta, unlike British Columbia, is entirely situated on numbered treaty land. As part of her agenda, Smith intends to raise these issues at a forthcoming meeting with fellow premiers and will also include questions regarding constitutional amendments in an upcoming provincial referendum.
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The potential amendments could significantly affect Indigenous rights and provincial control over resources in Alberta.
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