Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew Challenges Alberta's Danielle Smith Over Court Ruling
Kinew rebukes Smith over court decision on consulting with First Nations
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During a meeting of western premiers in Kananaskis, Alberta, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew criticized Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's comments on a court ruling regarding Indigenous consultation. Kinew emphasized the need for the Alberta government to consult First Nations before proceeding with any separatist initiatives.
- 01Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew rebuked Alberta Premier Danielle Smith for mischaracterizing a court ruling as 'antidemocratic.'
- 02The ruling by Justice Shaina Leonard stated that the Alberta government failed to consult First Nations regarding a separatist petition.
- 03Kinew argued that the duty to consult lies with the Alberta government, not the petitioners.
- 04He highlighted the potential infringement on Indigenous hunting and fishing rights if Alberta were to separate from Canada.
- 05Kinew humorously noted that Indigenous people are ready to use their treaty rights to keep Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid in Canada.
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At a recent western premiers' meeting in Kananaskis, Alberta, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew confronted Alberta Premier Danielle Smith over her remarks regarding a court ruling that dismissed a separatist petition for Alberta independence. Smith labeled the ruling by Justice Shaina Leonard as 'antidemocratic,' claiming it was an error to assert that the constitutional duty to consult applies to citizen-initiated petitions. Kinew countered this assertion, stating that it is the responsibility of the Alberta government to consult Indigenous groups, not the petition gatherers. He supported the court's decision, which emphasized the need for consultation with First Nations, especially given the potential impact on established hunting and fishing rights. Kinew's comments reflect a broader concern about Indigenous rights in the context of provincial independence movements. He also made a light-hearted remark about Indigenous peoples' resolve to protect their treaty rights, referencing Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid.
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The discussion highlights the ongoing tensions between provincial governance and Indigenous rights, particularly in Alberta.
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