An Alberta judge has struck down a petition aimed at triggering a referendum this fall on separation from Canada. The judge ruled the province failed to consult with First Nations to address how breaking off from Confederation could affect treaty rights. Premier Danielle Smith immediately condemned the ruling. While she said her government favours Alberta staying in Confederation, the province will nonetheless appeal the ruling. “We think this decision is incorrect in law and anti-democratic,” Ms. Smith said after the court ruling was released on Wednesday. Government lawyers disputed the idea that a vote on independence would infringe treaty rights, arguing that there were numerous “off-ramps” through the referendum process to ensure treaties were respected. They also argued that consultations could happen after a referendum. The decision is also likely to add to pressure on Ms. Smith to forgo the citizen initiative process and add a secession question to an already scheduled referendum in October, which will ask nine questions related to immigration and Alberta’s relationship with the federal government. Ms. Smith said Wednesday her cabinet and caucus will discuss whether the government should add a secession question to the referendum #Alberta #AbPoli