Alberta voter data leaked as separatists file signatures for independence vote
Authorities investigate leak of 2.9 million voters’ details, adding to turmoil over push for independence referendum
TL;DR
- Alberta separatists delivered more than 300,000 signatures to Elections Alberta to support an independence referendum.
- A separatist-linked group posted the personal data of nearly 3 million Alberta residents online, one of Canada's largest data breaches.
- The leak has sparked fears of political interference and an investigation by Elections Alberta and the RCMP.
- Indigenous nations argue that a referendum would violate their treaty rights and warned of foreign interference.
- Recent changes to referendum laws by Alberta's premier, Danielle Smith, have made it easier to initiate such votes.
- Separatist leaders express determination to have their question on the ballot regardless of investigations or court rulings.