Judge calls Alberta bill on referendum drives undemocratic, disrespect to rule of law

EDMONTON - An Alberta judge says a bill introduced this week by Premier Danielle Smith’s government is undemocratic.

Court of King’s Bench Justice Colin Feasby made the comment in a decision issued Friday in Calgary.

Feasby had been hearing arguments on whether a referendum drive looking to ask if Alberta should separate from Canada is legally OK, given it may contravene the Constitution.

But Justice Minister Mickey Amery introduced a bill Thursday that would allow such petition drives to go ahead regardless of whether they violate the Constitution, while effectively ending the court review.

Feasby, in his decision, wrote that the government deciding to change the rules midstream undermines respect for democracy and the administration of justice.

“The rule of law plays a critical role