The Alberta Prosperity Project has officially entered court as its proposed referendum question — asking whether the province should become a sovereign country and cease to be a province of Canada — is now under judicial review. The question was submitted under the Citizens’ Initiative Act and referred by the Chief Electoral Officer to the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta for a determination of whether it contravenes the Constitution, including rights protected under section 35 relating to Indigenous and treaty rights. Observers note that while the group seeks to fast-track a public vote, the court’s involvement underscores the gravity and complexity of the matter.
During Day 1 of the hearing, proponents of the Alberta Prosperity Project emphasised that the referendum question is a democratic exercise of the province’s voice and autonomy. They argue that Albertans are entitled to decide their future, citing frustration with federal policies, fiscal transfers and governance structures. Meanwhile, intervenors representing Indigenous groups and certain civil society voices raised concerns that the proposal could undermine treaty obligations and constitutional protections, signalling that the court will need to weigh not just procedural legality but the broader implications of a sovereignty referendum within Canada’s constitutional framework.
The court has set aside time for full written submissions, and a final ruling is expected in the coming months. The decision will determine whether the referendum question is permitted to proceed under the legal framework, and whether the path toward sovereignty can be advanced at this stage. For supporters of the Alberta Prosperity Project, a favourable ruling would mark a major milestone in their campaign. For opponents and constitutional watchers, it will clarify how far citizen-initiated referenda can press on core issues of national unity, provincial status and treaty obligations. The outcome promises to be a landmark moment in Alberta’s political landscape.
The update from the Alberta Prosperity Project can be found here
