By Promod Puri
My initial feeling, perhaps yours too, was that the Alberta Sovereignty Act was to seek separation from Canada as an independent sovereign nation.
However, the Act promises to stay within the United Canada Act.
But it “will only be used when Alberta’s legislative assembly debates and passes a motion that identifies a specific federal program or piece of legislation as unconstitutional or causing harm to Albertans,” according to the Alberta Government website.
The Act guarantees that it will not allow Alberta to defy Canada’s Constitution. And it will not enable Alberta to separate from Canada.
The Alberta Sovereignty Act was a key component of premier Danielle Smith’s campaign when she successfully contested the United Conservative Party (UCP) leadership election in 2022, contributing to her election as UCP leader and Premier of Alberta.
The Act got passed in the province on December 8, 2022.
Smith, speaking in the legislative, said it is time to reset the relationship with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government.
“The way our country works is that we are a federation of sovereign, independent jurisdictions. They are one of those signatories to the Constitution, and the rest of us, as signatories to the Constitution, have a right to exercise our sovereign powers in our areas of jurisdiction.”
Trudeau, in response, said Alberta’s controversial Sovereignty Act is a political tool for Premier Danielle Smith to pick a fight with the federal government. And “I’m not interested in fighting with the Alberta government.”
So, what exactly are the wrongs in the Act when it gets the “Royal assent.”
The Act sets the stage for Alberta to ignore federal laws or regulations if it determines they harm the province’s interest. Moreover, it directs the provincial bodies, like school boards, municipalities, and city police forces to disregard federal laws.
That would create a chaotic situation between Ottawa and Alberta.
The Act has confrontational nature.
It does not seek more autonomy for the province. But ignoring or opposing the laws for political gains passed in Ottawa thru the parliamentary democratic processes.
Provincial Lieutenant Governor Salma Lakhani has expressed her caution before granting her permission.
In expressing her strong opposition to the Bill, the Alberta opposition NDP Leader Rachel Notley said, “For the record, if we form the government, we will move to repeal this horrible, anti-democratic legislation.”
There is continuing debate over the cushy treatment Quebec gets as it has also sought separation in the past. And number of provinces have brought up the issue that there is unequal transfer payments to Francophones, nearly 1/3 while rest of Canada gets the remaining portion. Alberta is hoping that their new Act will put pressure on the federal government to give more powers and money to the English Canada provinces.
The next Alberta election is on May 29.
Promod Puri is a veteran journalist, writer and author based in Vancouver.
