Premier Danielle Smith and her Manitoba counterpart Wab Kinew got into a spat over separation and treaty rights Tuesday at the conclusion of the Western Premiers’ Conference in Kananaskis, Alta. 

Smith, who called a referendum on Alberta’s future in Canada for Oct. 19, has mused that Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution, which affirms the rights of Indigenous people, requires a second look. 

She said the duty to consult should be applied to major projects, but she believes the courts need to decide whether it should apply to a citizen initiative petition.