An Alberta judge has declared that a proposed referendum on the province's independence from Canada is unconstitutional. This ruling came shortly after the provincial government introduced legislation aimed at halting the court proceedings. The legislation, known as Bill 14, would have allowed the court action to be discontinued, preventing Court of King's Bench Justice Colin Feasby from issuing a ruling. This decision follows several days of arguments presented in court. The referendum question, proposed by Alberta resident Mitch Sylvestre, asks, "Do you agree that the Province of Alberta shall become a sovereign country and cease to be a province in Canada?" In his ruling, Justice Feasby stated that the referendum proposal violates the Constitution Act. However, he clarified that this does not imply that the Constitution cannot be amended or that Alberta cannot pursue a referendum on separation in the future. The judge's decision was issued after lawyers representing a group of First Nations were granted intervenor status in the case. Feasby emphasized the importance of the court's role in providing clarity on the legal implications of Alberta's potential secession from Canada. He expressed concern over the government's attempt to change the legislation, calling it contrary to the principles of the rule of law and democracy. "The public is entitled to the fruits of this process that has been conducted largely at their expense," he stated. He added that if citizens are to vote on Alberta's independence, they should have access to the legal context surrounding such a significant decision. Justice Feasby also noted that the court case had been prioritized, affecting other cases awaiting resolution in the justice system. He expressed disappointment over what he described as Alberta's disregard for court resources and the good faith participation of the First Nations intervenors in the proceedings. This ruling marks a significant moment in the ongoing discussions about Alberta's political future and its relationship with the rest of Canada.