Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has indicated her willingness to engage in discussions with other provincial leaders regarding potential amendments to the Canadian Constitution concerning Indigenous treaty rights.

She criticised Section 35, which governs Crown-Indigenous relations, stating that court interpretations have extended its scope beyond what she perceives as its original intent.

This follows a recent Alberta court ruling that dismissed a petition for a binding referendum, citing the province's failure to meet the duty to consult with First Nations.

Smith plans to appeal this decision and is inviting other premiers to consider constitutional adjustments to prevent similar judicial outcomes in the future.

She emphasised that Section 35 was never intended to continuously expand Indigenous rights or limit provincial control over resources and property rights.Smith’s comments come amid debates in British Columbia over treaty interpretations affecting property rights and resource development.Alberta, fully situated on numbered treaty lands, faces similar judicial challenges.

Smith also announced that her province’s upcoming referendum in October will include questions on constitutional amendments concerning judicial appointments, Senate abolition, and provincial powers related to Indigenous treaty rights.These measures reflect a broader effort to address legal and governance uncertainties surrounding Indigenous rights and provincial authority.