Alberta court hears arguments on whether proposed separation referendum is constitutional

A court hearing is underway in Edmonton on the constitutionality of a proposed referendum on Alberta separating from Canada.

Arguments began Wednesday from lawyers representing the head of a pro-Alberta sovereignty group, the province’s chief electoral officer and five First Nations groups who have been granted intervenor status.

As well, two other lawyers are each acting as , or a friend of the court. They’re tasked with preparing arguments that show the proposal is unconstitutional, as well as separately offering their independent conclusions on the question.

The judge’s decision will determine whether Mitch Sylvestre, executive director of the Alberta Prosperity Project, can take steps toward putting a citizen initiative question in front of Albertans, asking voters whether they agr