Alberta files appeal on court decision to throw out separatist referendum petition

Alberta’s government has filed its appeal of a judge’s decision to throw out a petition looking to force a vote on the province quitting Canada.

Premier Danielle Smith criticized the ruling last month, calling it “anti-democratic,” and promised to appeal.

Court of King’s Bench Justice Shaina Leonard found the referendum petition shouldn’t have been issued under provincial law and that Smith’s government neglected its duty to consult First Nations.

In the appeal filed today in Edmonton court, the province says it plans to argue that the judge made 14 errors in her decision.