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Monday's Letters: Referendum a costly example of political theatre

The province is spending millions on a fantasy while ignoring real needs of Albertans

Author of the article:

Tina Kennedy

Published Sep 21, 2026  •  1 minute read

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A Grande Prairie resident says the separation referendum is costly political theatre jpg, TD, apsmc

The Oct. 19 consultative independence referendum is a $134 million exercise in political theater. Even if it leads to a binding vote, any secession attempt will fail in court.

An Alberta court recently ruled that a binding secession referendum without proper Indigenous consultation is illegal. Section 35 of the Constitution protects treaty rights, effectively giving First Nations a veto over altering the status of their traditional lands.

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The province cannot use the Section 33 Notwithstanding Clause to override these rights, as it only applies to specific Charter provisions—not Section 35 or structural constitutional requirements.

Both the Court of Appeal of Alberta and the Supreme Court of Canada will inevitably strike down a binding split. Unilateral secession is legally impossible. Burning taxpayer millions on an unconstitutional fantasy ignores real provincial needs; it is time to end this costly distraction.

Jane Gaudet
Grande Prairie