Danielle Smith says law will be enforced if civil disobedience occurs over Alberta separation referendum

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says authorities will enforce the law if civil disobedience emerges in response to the province’s upcoming referendum on separation from Canada.

Speaking at an unrelated news conference in Calgary on Friday, Smith addressed concerns raised by First Nations leaders who have strongly opposed the government’s decision to place the issue of separation on the ballot.

“I hope it doesn’t come to that,” Smith said when asked about the possibility of civil disobedience by Indigenous communities.

Albertans are scheduled to vote on Oct. 19 on whether the province should remain part of Canada or begin the process toward a second, binding referendum on leaving the country.

The referendum proposal has sparked significant opposition from First Nations leaders across Alberta, many of whom argue that any move toward separation raises serious concerns about treaty rights and Indigenous sovereignty. Several Indigenous leaders have publicly criticized both the referendum question and the government’s decision to proceed with the vote.