Alberta to Challenge Court Decision Blocking Separatism Vote

The western Canadian province of Alberta will appeal a court ruling that blocks a potential vote on separation from the country, after a judge found the government failed to meet its obligation to consult with Indigenous peoples.

The decision from the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta on Wednesday is a major setback for the independence movement in Alberta, which holds most of the country’s known oil reserves and exports millions of barrels a day of crude to the US. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said the province would appeal the ruling, as did the leaders of a pro-independence group known as Stay Free Alberta.