A judge says he must hear arguments and rule on whether a proposed Alberta referendum question on separating from Canada is constitutional because it's important for democracy.

"The citizens of Alberta deserve to have these arguments made properly and heard in full," Court of King's Bench Justice Colin Feasby said in his decision on Thursday. "Democracy demands nothing less."

Alberta's Citizens Initiative Act allows an elector to propose a question to put to a public vote, if they can gather enough signatures in support within a set timeframe.

Alberta's chief electoral officer, Gordon McClure, referred the question to court last month so a judge could determine whether it violates the Constitution, including treaty rights.

The group that submitted the question applied to have the court

See Full Page