A look at how Alberta’s proposed sovereignty act would work
EDMONTON — Alberta Premier Danielle Smith introduced on Tuesday her signature bill called the Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act.
The United Conservative Party government says the proposed legislation would allow cabinet to direct provincial entities — including Crown-controlled organizations, police, health authorities, municipalities, school boards — to not use provincial money to enforce federal rules deemed harmful to Alberta’s interests.
Smith says the bill is needed to reset Alberta’s relationship with Ottawa and would be used to push back on issues including fertilizer restrictions, firearms, energy and health care.
Critics say it would give Smith and her cabinet broad powers to rewrite provincial laws behind closed doors.