Alberta Separatists Hit Milestone, Court Battles Ensue

It's April 2nd, Canada news today starts now.

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I'm Cory with the story.

Alberta separatists with Stey Free Alberta just hit their big milestone,

claiming over 177,000 signatures for a referendum.

On leaving Canada, they nailed it right before an April 7th court hearing in Edmonton,

where Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation wants an injunction to stop the whole push,

saying it breaks indigenous treaties.

The timing is no accident.

Leader Mitch Sylvester says they've followed the rules so far,

and don't even need to file with elections, Alberta.

Instead, they could hand the signature straight to Premier Danielle Smith,

who can call a referendum anytime under a different law, skipping the citizen initiative drama.

First nation's leaders like Chief Sheldon Sunshine have fired up,

accusing the UCP government of bending rules for this fringe group.

They've lost core battles before,

but the province twice changed laws to help slashing signatures

needed from nearly 600,000 to just one.

177,000 and blocking legal reviews.

Now, officials say they'll wait till the May 2nd deadline to verify everything,

but Smith has hinted any valid petition gets on the October 19th ballot.

More First Nation's challenges hit court next week,

with rulings expected before signatures wrap up.

Whatever happens, this showdown mixes voter will,

court calls, and political moves,

leaving the independence question hanging in the balance as

Alberta watches close.