Kinew Challenges Smith on Indigenous Consultation

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew is firing back at Alberta Premier Danielle Smith over Indigenous consultation, demanding the federal government pause a potential separation referendum until proper consultation with First Nations is completed. Kinew, who is Indigenous, argues that the court’s recent ruling correctly mandates government consultation — not petition organizers — especially since a border could threaten existing Indigenous hunting and fishing rights. Smith, hosting a western premiers’ meeting, insists the duty to consult applies only to major projects, not citizen-initiated votes, calling the court’s decision a democratic error. Kinew urges Smith to focus on economic development like pipelines instead, thanking Alberta First Nations for supporting a pause. Smith’s government plans to appeal the ruling, as does the separatist group, while she insists the court system is meant to resolve political disputes — and they’ll wait for the appeals to play out. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/4f57257941ea25b8