By Jack Farrell A judge threw out an Alberta separatist petition Wednesday, ruling the province had a duty to consult with First Nations — a decision quickly declared “anti-democratic” by Premier Danielle Smith. Justice Shaina Leonard also said Alberta’s chief electoral officer should never have issued the referendum petition. The premier promised an appeal. “This is a decision by one judge,” said Smith. “We think that this decision is incorrect in law and anti-democratic, and we will be appealing it as a result.” Lawyers for several First Nations argued last month that Alberta’s referendum process and its use by separatists is unconstitutional, as there’s no requirement for Indigenous consultation. They also said separation would violate treaty rights. Government lawyers defended the process and pushed for the separatist petition to play…
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