The bill, formally known as the Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act, was a central promise of Ms. Smith’s successful United Conservative Party leadership campaign
, which focused on escalating the province’s fight with Ottawa on a range of issues from environmental protection to gun control. Legal scholars previously panned the idea as unconstitutional and it has been divisive even within the UCP, with former premier Jason Kenney and most of Ms. Smith’s leadership rivals condemning it during the campaign.
“The federal and provincial governments both have exclusive and sovereign areas of jurisdiction, and this government will no longer sit idly by as Ottawa infringes on our constitutional rights to develop our resources, develop our economy and deliver our social programs in the manner that Albertans see fit,” said the government’s Throne Speech, delivered Tuesday by Lieutenant-Governor Salma Lakhani on the opening day of the legislative session.Ms.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, prior to the release of the act on Tuesday, told reporters that he doesn’t see the proposed legislation as a priority for Albertans. “I’m going to stay focused on the things that matter,” he said, before listing affordability, job creation and addressing climate change. “That’s what Albertans are focused on.”
Ms. Smith has instructed provincial cabinet ministers to comb federal legislation for instances of policies they believe interfere with Alberta’s constitutional jurisdiction, infringe on Albertans’ Charter rights or are harmful to Albertans. Ms. Smith ordered ministers Tuesday to prepare special resolutions under the proposed sovereignty act for the spring session of the legislature.
While the legislation gives the province power to issue directives to entities such as municipalities and Crown corporations, there is nothing in the bill that addresses what happens if such a body, such as a city or school board, disregards the order. The directives, the government noted, must be within Alberta’s constitutional jurisdiction.
The government believes the proposed law can withstand a constitutional challenge, but noted “the constitutionality of each resolution brought under the act will have to be carefully drafted and reviewed on a case-by-case basis to ensure the resolutions are constitutionally defensible.”
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith personally urging event organizers, businesses to reconsider vaccine mandatesHer government is dealing with what she deems vaccine discrimination on a “case-by-case” basis, with no immediate change to Human Rights Act.
Read more »
Danielle Smith declines to give specifics on 'mistakes' referenced in Alberta addressPremier Danielle Smith said last week that she is 'far from perfect' and can 'make mistakes' – but has declined to give further details about what specifically she was referring to.
Read more »
Premier Danielle Smith to announce ‘standing up for Alberta’ legislation | Globalnews.caPremier Danielle Smith and Justice Minister Tyler Shandro will hold a news conference Tuesday at 4 p.m. about legislation 'intended to defend Alberta's interests.'
Read more »
Danielle Smith targets ambulance services in health care overhaulThe Alberta Premier has fired the board of AHS and appointed an administrator with a mandate to reduce wait times for surgeries and emergency rooms, develop a long-term plan for sustainability in the system, and improve ambulance services
Read more »
OPINION | Rachel Notley, Danielle Smith and Alberta's huge political gender gap | CBC NewsOpinion: Women will play a significant role in Alberta's politics, determining whether it's four more years of UCP rule or a return to Rachel Notley and the NDP.
Read more »
Alberta sovereignty bill introduced in legislatureThe Alberta government has introduced Premier Danielle Smith's sovereignty bill in the legislature.
Read more »