Alberta amends referendum bill as First Nations fear it will trample treaty rights [Video]

Alberta’s government has made 11th-hour changes to controversial proposed legislation, declaring that no separation referendum question could threaten First Nations’ existing treaty rights.

Premier Danielle Smith’s government is working to lower the threshold to allow for citizen-initiated referendums, including whether the province should separate from Canada.

Her government’s proposed Bill 54, also known as the Election Statutes Amendment Act, has yet to become law, but it’s faced backlash from Indigenous leaders since its introduction in the house more than two weeks ago.

Justice Minister Mickey Amery said Wednesday the United Conservative Party government has heard concerns from First Nations on how such a referendum might affect treaty rights.

“We are listening,” he said.

‘United in our resistance’

Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation Chief Sheldon Sunshine and Mikisew Cree First Nation Chief Billy-Joe Tuccaro were quick to release a statement saying the amendment “means nothing,” and the proposed bill still needs to be shredded.

“We have heard from many Treaty people; …