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Supporters carry boxes of petition signatures to submit for a separation referendum to Elections Alberta in Edmonton, on May 4.JASON FRANSON/The Canadian Press
A citizen-led petition looking to force a vote on Alberta quitting Canada has been verified as successful.
The petition, however, still can’t proceed as it remains tied up in a court dispute.
Elections Alberta says it has verified nearly 223,000 signatures calling for a vote.
That’s far higher than the minimum number of 178,000 names needed.
The agency began the count after a judge ruled last month that the names could be counted even though the petition is in legal limbo.
First Nations are challenging the petition, saying it’s unconstitutional because they have not been duly consulted given the impacts separation would have on treaty rights.