Federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh says Alberta’s proposed sovereignty act is undemocratic and an unwanted distraction from the struggles of the province’s residents.
After a meeting with union leaders in Calgary on Friday, Singh took aim at Premier Danielle Smith’s bill introduced on Tuesday.
Smith describes it as a deliberate confrontational tool to reset relations with a federal government she accuses of interfering in constitutionally protected areas of provincial responsibility, from energy development to health care.
But Singh said at a time when Albertans are suffering from record-high inflation and an overburdened health care system, the proposed legislation makes no sense.
Kayasi Madu says sovereignty act is not a power grab, eyes turn to bill
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“I think it’s a little disturbing at a time when we are seeing unprecedented record inflation, at a time when people are finding it difficult to buy groceries and people are going to the food banks,” Singh told reporters on Friday. are using more.”
“In times like these, Danielle Smith chooses to bring up this act. This really shows a lot of heartlessness.
Smith has rejected allegations that the bill is a power grab.
“Every decision that is being made has to be ratified by this assembly first,” she told the legislature earlier this week.
cabinet to unilaterally rewrite provincial laws without sending the bill back to the legislature for debate or approval if the house passes a motion identifying a federal matter deemed unconstitutional or harmful to Alberta Provides powers. The cabinet would be allowed to direct public agencies, including police, municipalities, school boards, post-secondary institutions and health sectors, to stop flouting federal laws.
It will also give wide freedom to the cabinet as to how to interpret the resolution it receives from the assembly. It says that the cabinet must follow the direction of the House, but it is not mandatory. Instead, the cabinet is asked to exercise its new extraordinary powers however it is “necessary or appropriate”.
“It is dangerous and it is undemocratic and there was no mandate for it,” Singh said.
Alberta Deputy Premier Casey Madoo has said some aspects of the proposed law may need revision to clear up confusion.
However, Singh said the bill “shows a callous behaviour” by the ruling United Conservative Party.
“I think the aim is to divert attention from the real problems of the people,” Singh said.
“My concern about Daniel Smith as premier is about people being left behind – and I really mean it.”
Last month, the provincial government announced a $600 payment to middle- to low-income families to help with the rising cost of living.
People with a household income of less than $180,000 per year are to receive $600 for each child under the age of 18 over a six-month period. The same income limits and benefits apply to senior citizens.
The government also promised to remove its provincial gasoline tax and continue to provide electricity rebates. It has also set aside $20 million to help food banks.
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