By Tamarack - An Institute for Community Engagement - Flickr, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=146285898
EDMONTON — Alberta Opposition Leader Naheed Nenshi introduced a motion of non-confidence in the provincial government Monday after First Nations leaders called on legislators to denounce separatism.
The motion, brought forward in the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, states the legislature does not have confidence in the government because of what it describes as a failure to renounce separatism and the resulting damage to relations between First Nations and the province.
The move follows a vote by chiefs with the Assembly of First Nations in Alberta, who unanimously passed a non-confidence resolution directed at Premier Danielle Smith and her United Conservative government 11 days earlier.
Nenshi introduced the motion alongside First Nations chiefs and leaders at the legislature in Edmonton, saying it responded to the request from Indigenous leaders.
The motion argues that failing to denounce separatism undermines treaty relationships between First Nations and the provincial government.
Debate on the motion did not proceed after the governing United Conservative Party moved to shut down discussion.
Nenshi also argued the dispute with First Nations could have economic consequences, suggesting strained relationships could affect project approvals and business investment in the province.
The Alberta government has previously said it supports the constitutional framework of Canada while also advocating for greater provincial autonomy in negotiations with Ottawa.
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