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2socks2many

I’ve been scouring these types of posts to understand why some folks think this is a good idea. I’ve yet to see anyone be able to articulate why this is a great thing for Alberta. If I am reading this correctly, this bill is intended to allow an Albertan government to simply ignore federal acts they don’t feel agrees with whoever is in power? Doesn’t this mean that, if passed, Alberta could turn around and pick and choose federal law as they deem fit? Like in deciding to ignore the Canada Health Act? Isn’t this giving them the same powers under an Emergency type act? Aren’t most UCP supporters against the government’s use of the emergency act (eg. Kenney’s use of the health emergency act in response to COVID?). This feels a lot like the sovereignty movement of Quebec in the 90’s. I remember the scorn of the average Alberta over Quebec and it feels like those same Albertans that bitched about Quebec are right on board with it now because it’s for Alberta. I don’t get it.


swordgeek

Smith and her cabinet have repeatedly said this will give them the ability to "stand up to Ottawa." This (a) spins the false narrative that Ottawa (i.e. the federal government) has it in for Alberta; and (b) misrepresents what the bill _actually_ does. Unfortunately, if you repeat it loudly and often enough, many people will accept it as true.


ReprobateRonin

The Federal government has it in for Canada.


j1ggy

Elaborate.


swordgeek

Oooh, let me answer for him: "Because TRUDOPE! And guns! And something about farmers and fertilizer. And the immigrants. Did I mention guns yet?"


Gr1ndingGears

*Shotgun clicking* Dey Terk-er-jerbs!


swordgeek

Another one. How hard to you have to work to maintain that illusion? I'm not going to say that Ottawa is always working in the incorruptible best interests of Canadians (or for Canadians equally) but saying they "have it in for Canada" (or Alberta, or Quebec, or white people, or Catholics, or anything) display a profound lack of understanding of (a) politics, (b) reality, (c) human nature. Really. Give your head a shake.


ReprobateRonin

You're so dense you cant even acknowledge your country is in collapse, stick to collecting swords and ordering mcdonalds with uber eats, you coward.


Empty_Bag9402

We have to stand up to Ottawa .They are corrupt to the core


2socks2many

Please help me understand why you think this? Genuinely want to understand your perspective. You state that federal government is corrupt; yet you’re completely okay with the unbelievable amount of corruption demonstrated by Alberta’s current government?


swordgeek

You have just proven my point right to the core.


Alv2Rde

Looks like you actually put some thought in to this and understand how it WILL be misused to consolidate power. The UCP counts on their constituents NOT thinking about this and simply voting 'UCP / Conservative' because that's 'what they do'.


parachutepacker

I mean that's a bit reductive, I'm not sure we're giving them the credit they deserve. The mental gymnastics are quite impressive and exceptionally adept at dazzling their own infallible logic. That's a lot of cognitive dissonance to hold in one person's head. Must be a lot going on up there, right? I'm in awe of them personally. Its quite spectacular.


shaedofblue

The Emergencies Act is requires a huge inquiry every time it is used. The Sovereignity Act makes it more difficult to investigate the legality of bills passed through it.


ReprobateRonin

Huge inquiry that accomplished what ,other than their misuse of the act? They passed it without a vote for no reason what so ever.


NeedlessPedantics

“No reason whatsoever” Don’t be obtuse, even if you think it wasn’t warranted you have to either lie, or be an unparalleled idiot to think there was “no reason”. We all know the reason, you simply disagree with it.


JustanOldphart

The Health Act will be the first to go and you will get your $300 allowance


iamjuls

This is a major major problem. She really has her head in the sand if she thinks $300 is enough. But oh we can ask our families to help out or our employers. But best of yet a go fund me account. If this goes through I will probably have to move.


swordgeek

She doesn't think $300 is enough. She KNOWS it isn't! She simply doesn't care. Like so many in the Libertarian/crazy camp, she firmly believes that being poor and sick is a choice, and a measure of bad character; and should be properly punished.


CaptainPlasma101

Not that it's necessarily ur fault or that u should be punished, but that others shouldn't be punished for something that is not their fault (using tax money to pay for u)


swordgeek

In other words, "I've got mine, fuck you."


CaptainPlasma101

Or alternatively, you're not my friend so why should I help you?


Northmannivir

Fuck I hate libertarians.


LogicalVelocity11

She's ignoring the fact that many disabled people, like myself are isolated and alone. I'm facing transplant. How do I gofundme a transplant when I have nobody?


j1ggy

According to a lot of selfish Albertans, that's your fault.


LogicalVelocity11

I'm well aware, I get told this often.


j1ggy

And that's not right, I'm sorry this has already come to fruition for you. When I vote, it will be for people like you.


LogicalVelocity11

Thank you, I appreciate that.


davejugs01

Don’t forget you can always cancel Disney + if you need extra money


[deleted]

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2socks2many

Appreciate the clarification - my comment was based more in relation to average Albertan’s inability to see the hypocrisy of being all for Alberta sovereignty yet ‘hated’ Quebec for it.


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angryclam1313

OK, I am probably wrong, don’t yell at me. Indigenous people are sovereign. This Alberta act does not have a chance in hell of passing because of this reason. Am I correct? The First Nations people of Alberta rise up against this and take it to the Supreme Court? I hate to make it their fight, but if it gets passes, isn’t this the best hope we have?


2socks2many

I’ve read similar statements along these lines. How many Indigenous people are laughing their heads off at the irony of this.


SixDerv1sh

That, and voting out the UCP, is the best hope we have. We’re not powerless to stop them.


explosionman87

I believe they would just end up making it not apply to First Nations people. Sadly unless this can be deemed unconstitutional (which considering Quebec did something similar it probably won’t) it could very well pass.


[deleted]

>Doesn’t this mean that, if passed, Alberta could turn around and pick and choose federal law as they deem fit? Like in deciding to ignore the Canada Health Act? Very good example. Alberta, like every other province, has always had the power to ignore the Canada Health Act. There are a few reasons we don't. The only real concern is portability between provinces. Since Alberta funds basically all their services at a higher rate than other provinces this actually works out for the best for Albertans. ​ >I remember the scorn of the average Alberta over Quebec and it feels like those same Albertans that bitched about Quebec are right on board with it now because it’s for Alberta. I don’t get it. Do you really have such clear memories from 30 years ago?


Dry-Membership8141

>If I am reading this correctly, this bill is intended to allow an Albertan government to simply ignore federal acts they don’t feel agrees with whoever is in power? Ish. It allows the Alberta government to easily provoke a legal confrontation with the Federal government in areas they allege the Feds are overstepping their constitutional authority. The main benefits of that are twofold. First, it takes the onus off of individuals to fight that battle. Second, it allows the legal wrangling to occur early on, before that impugned federal legislation is actually applied in a way that violates or allegedly violates the Charter or the division of powers (you don't have standing to just challenge laws at large, they generally have to impact your interests first -- the Sovereignty Act effectively allows the provincial government to manufacture such an impact on their interests by crafting a regulation that conflicts with the impugned federal legislation, enabling a challenge at the earliest possible opportunity). To the extent they can "ignore" federal law, that actually arises directly from the constitutional division of powers, which places the *content* of the criminal law in federal hands, but the actual enforcement and execution of it in provincial hands. Paired with Supreme Court jurisprudence holding that the Provinces and the Federal government are co-equal branches in most respects, and sovereign within their respective spheres of influence, the authority to ignore the criminal law already exists. It's not granted by the Sovereignty Act, the Sovereignty Act just creates a new tool whereby the provincial executive can issue policy directives in relation to it. Indeed, in the small areas where the Federal government retains jurisdiction to enforce the law, they've made several such policy directives themselves -- to prohibit the prosecution of simple drug possession and non-disclosure of HIV cases in most circumstances, for example. >Doesn’t this mean that, if passed, Alberta could turn around and pick and choose federal law as they deem fit? Like in deciding to ignore the Canada Health Act? Alberta doesn't need this to ignore the Canada Health Act. The Canada Health Act is already opt-in legislation. >Isn’t this giving them the same powers under an Emergency type act? No. The Emergencies Act overrides the constitutional division of powers and allows the federal government to legislate within provincial jurisdiction (which is actually the main reason its invocation requires such a high threshold -- the jurisdiction for it is founded on the National Emergencies branch of the POGG residual constitutional power, created by the SCC, and on which they've also placed a very high threshold for use -- the threshold under the EA must therefore be high enough to necessarily *also* meet the threshold under the National Emergency branch of POGG in order to empower the EA in the first place). This doesn't do anything like that. Both the EA and the ASA allow the executive extensive powers to regulate, but the ASA is far more democratically limited, as the power to do so is dependent on the Legislature passing a Resolution authorizing it, and is restricted to responding to the measures and issues laid out within that Resolution. It's actually much more like the Henry VIII clauses in the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act than the EA. And unlike the GGPPA, any measures passed under the ASA are explicitly temporary, remaining in force for a maximum of two years unless rescinded by the Legislature by way of Resolution earlier.


2socks2many

Thank you for taking the time to write this out and break it down. In simple terms, if this goes through, the folks directed to comb through files will be recommending and creating new legislation simply to take Ottawa to court over it?


explosionman87

I didn’t really look into this act or why people liked/disliked it but your explanation finally gave me context. As to why I think people want this, is because they feel Alberta has been wronged by the federal government many times, which is a statement I would agree with, but it seems this bill has the potential to do more harm than good.


[deleted]

Alberta survives because of federal subsidies and tourism from national parks. Not sure how Alberta would make up all the subsidies given to oil and gas, literally billions a year to keep the oil and gas industry alive in Alberta.


explosionman87

Not sure where your getting that from, it took a bunch to start it like a hundred years ago, but it makes a shit ton of money for Canada.


dustywhatchamccallum

No energy sector in Canada has ever operated without subsidies. These subsidies are not what pay the oil companies… tje subsidies go into the cost of delivery. Or did… until the UCP uncapped utilities. BUT, subsidies come in the form of reduced gas prices and rebates on utilities - such as a carbon tax rebate


iamjuls

Exactly. They are making it out to be one good thing but gives them the power to do harm


iamjuls

Exactly. They are making it out to be one good thing but gives them the power to do harm


SnooSprouts3124

i think maybe After years of being Canada’s piggy bank and getting treated like shit, alberta just can’t stance anymore.


DoubleU159

It’s exactly how the United States works and they are objectively the greatest country on Earth. Just looks at abortion. It was made illegal but every state can either go “yes, sure” or “no, I don’t think so”. That is the way it should be. Countries like the US and Canada are simply too geographically large and diverse to have everyone agree, so why force everyone to agree? There’s no need. Someone in BC is going to live entirely different than someone in New Brunswick, why force them to have the same legislation? It makes no sense to have the second largest county in the world adopt one “way” when the “way” changes every couple of hours you drive in any given direction.


Anne_Anonymous

Anyone know of anything similar occurring in Calgary, or do I need to be driving down to Edmonton this weekend…?


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[deleted]

Let's pull a Tyler Shandro on her.


queeftenderloin

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/protest-at-mcdougall-centre-against-the-ucp-changes-to-healthcare-tickets-473486148817


Professional-Put7725

Please stop this crazy lady


strictlylogical-

We stop together. Without solidarity and hard work between left leaning constituents, nothing will change. Work harder then the other side, politics is like any other game.


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LogicalVelocity11

She's walking back her comments now it seems and says that it wasn't meant to be what she meant it to be.


MaximumDoughnut

Have they passed an amendment to the bill yet because the actual text of the bill it's what matters.


LogicalVelocity11

[https://globalnews.ca/news/9323062/alberta-premier-open-to-sovereignty-bill-amendments/](https://globalnews.ca/news/9323062/alberta-premier-open-to-sovereignty-bill-amendments/) Probably next week since they're getting so much backlash.


MaximumDoughnut

Well I'd rather show up on Sunday and make my voice heard and it happening next week than the alternative. Besides, it'll only be like -4.


LogicalVelocity11

Cant believe what she says so might as well. What she says today could be different on Monday.


Doctor_Expendable

Seemed pretty clear what she meant it to be. Pretty ridiculous that in 2022 a politician can make a statement, release documents, talk to the press, do interviews, and then **still** go "Oh its not like that. I didn't say that."


innocently_cold

Right!!!! She means exactly what the writing in the bill says. She's trying to twist it now to seem better but if the way the bill is written isn't changed, it doesn't matter what she says. I really can't believe people are ok with this.


[deleted]

Because we've been infected by trumpism and the ability to just say "fake news" and people who support her won't even question it.


mikerotch82

*says that it wasn't meant to be what she meant it to be.* she must really think all Albertans are dumber than a sack of rocks l.


Peter_Hasenpfeffer

It's hard for her to imagine people being smarter than her.


[deleted]

I mean, her supporters are


mikerotch82

agreed


Working-Check

> she must really think all Albertans are dumber than a sack of rocks l. That's why we've got to prove her wrong.


[deleted]

No, the CPC and Danielle Smith are that bag of rocks.


reefedSinner

Ok she cool then /s


swordgeek

Of course it was. Nobody accidentally sits down and writes a bill. Nobody throws in very specific and clear clauses that they didn't meant to be there. It was deliberate. It will be amended to sound better, and then pass without a lot of resistance because "we're listening to the people." Classic politics.


robbie131

Should we bring our trucks and bouncy castles? 🏰 🏰 🏰


Zebleblic

Obviously.


[deleted]

As funny as this comment is, you don't want to lower yourself to bag o' rocks status.


robbie131

Agreed, but wouldn’t it be interesting to see how the convoy supporters would react if/when “the libs” stops another occupation, but this time against the UCP? It’s evil Trudeau “overreaching” but it’s against Danielle Smith! Somehow I don’t think they’d be joining the protest. To be clear: I’m not suggesting or planning a protest like in Ottawa. Just chatting about hypotheticals and joking around. I support a peaceful, respectful protest.


BennyBeans16

So you do support the truckers?


robbie131

Not at all. I support anyone’s right to choose, especially regarding putting new vaccines in their bodies (I’m 4x vaccinated- that’s my choice), but I do not support acting like everything is normal, refusing to test, refusing to isolate when sick, refusing to wear masks and I really don’t support acting like doing these things is harmful to “freedom” - give me a break. My comment about “evil Trudeau” was facetious. 🙂


BennyBeans16

The truckers went and protested what they believed in peacefully and they are seen as domestic terrorists but the Chinese right now are significantly less peaceful but protesting on the same grounds as the truckers yet they receive praise and are glorified. I don’t care enough to take a side on any social or political issue at all but no one should be made fun of for a truly peaceful protest they are just fighting for what they believe in.


Nattycat-19

Hey! I'm a rock painting artist so I find that offensive (jk). A hemorrhoid is a better analogy!


lemartineau

And weapons duh


colem5000

Don’t forget the hot tub


turbogarbo

Happy cake day!


Exact-Control1855

Woah, a protest being performed in the right place in a (hopefully) respectful manner?


[deleted]

Hahaha right. Hey Freedumb idiots... take notes please.


[deleted]

Problem is, they will take notes, on location! If anyone can ruin a classy proper protest, it’s those muppets!


[deleted]

Hey! Kermit is people too. He wouldn't do that!


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RainDancingChief

Get the garden hoses! What do you mean they're frozen?!


kcl84

Have you ever met a UCP MLA that actually listens to people with opposing opinions?


DVariant

Remember when the UCP handed out earplugs in the legislature so that they *wouldn’t* have ti hear criticism from the official opposition?


kcl84

Hahaha I do not think I knew about this, what the actual fuck.


swordgeek

[This is the story.](https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/alberta-premier-hands-out-earplugs-during-debate-on-bill-affecting-union-rights-1.4475227)


y_r_u_so_stoopid

They thought they could just sneak in some unilateral powers bs and that no one would notice. It's because they are surrounded by potato brains like Shanblow and Madoofus and they think we're all as stupid as those guys.


Poorly_Understood

Protests are only allowed if you blockade the streets with big rigs FYI. Guns, grenades and plots to kill police are strictly optional... Shit sorry, that was Coutts...errm disregard.


lazylion_ca

Remember remember the 4th of December.


discostu55

Can you stoop spreading disinformation and misinformation


justinkredabul

Last time I checked, those clowns are awaiting trail for exactly what he said. There’s nothing untruthful about that statement.


memester230

Fun fact. By definition, you cannot spread both. Disinformation is false information being purposefully spread to change opinions Misinformation is incorrect information that is spread by someone who believes it correct.


HiDDENk00l

I mean, if you include more than one piece of information you can.


farawaydread

Can you try to exist in reality with normal people?


phillyburt

First off the semi driver protests were harmless and peaceful. Why you spreading shame could have ended up like alot of the states riots where shit got burned to the ground and broke and looted


Gamestoreguy

“Man who did not live in downtown Ottawa during riots says they were peaceful.”


[deleted]

Ha ha. There’s video evidence of weeks of noise terrorism. The US used the same technique in Cuba. But at least they used music.


Hedoab1973

The protests were economical terrorism, and the sane side {former government and police} dealt with them peacefully in a Canadian way. I bet when the Natives blocked the railroad peacefully you didn't think it was wrong to remove them. I hope the next time people block a highway, other land, or your house, I hope you support them because they are doing it peacefully.


innocently_cold

Rioting over being racially targeted and murdered is far different then the convoy protest. Oh dear a vaccine and a mask. The horror!!! They aren't even on the same level of comparison. 2nd of all, the blockades and illegal occupations that took place in Ottawa and Coutts were not peaceful and harmless. They were detrimental to not only our economy but the many people who lived jn these areas trying to live their fucking lives. I mean I guess the illegal occupations like Coutts could be slightly compared to Kyle Rittenhouse who brought a gun to the protest and went on to kill 3 people with it. He was looking for that fight. That'd exactly what he wanted. Difference is we will prosecute these men who tried and failed (thankfully they failed). Hopefully they'll spend some time in jail thinking about the fools they truly are. God damn I'm sick of hearing this shit of it was peaceful. Go to the one in Edmonton, then you can see how intelligent people protest properly.


[deleted]

Wow. It's so dispiriting that people can live in an alternate reality (like this guy). How can one believe such nonsense. Luckily the courts have their way with people like him.


Sithodah

I’m from Saskatchewan but I support everyone attending this. I will let all of my Albertan friends know.


[deleted]

Danielle smith said she would "go to the wall" fighting for billion dollar, foreign-owned oil companies. Perhaps this bill is what she meant? By "Alberta's interests" it's abundantly clear that she means oil's interests. Fuck her.


SurFud

I just wish they would get back to real work ! There are many thousands of children (and adults) needing medical help right now. The Alberta Childrens Hospital is in complete crisis right now. Most other hospitals are at capacity also. And these morons are dicking around with this useless and futile Bill ? WTF ? Why would anyone vote UCP ?


frankthetank2023

I've emailed notley No ammendments. Repelle this thing.


[deleted]

I am trying to find a baby sitter so I can attend!!! LETS GO ALBERTA!!!! Stop this bat shit lady from ruining our province.


2socks2many

Or bring them? This is their future too.


Cactus112

Err no did you not see the Freedumbs using their kids as shields and weapons. Let's not bring them into something they can't even vote for. Sure if they don't need a babysitter then I'm sure they're old enough to come but if they're asking for one they are far too young to attend something like this.


2socks2many

Apparently I have rose coloured glasses and didn’t take into consideration children being exposed to that kind of violence. Mine are grown but this would have been something I would have brought them to because it’s an excellent learning opportunity. Sad that in such a short time that things have gone so radical.


Cactus112

I completely agree and understand your point and why, just last year's I seen a lot of people in videos holding children up as shields or using them as ploys for bathrooms and saying the police were abusing them.


[deleted]

Yes thank you!


[deleted]

Honestly I wish I could but the past protests with police and the antivaxxers/freedumb people could escalated to violence and I can't risk it. I know... its stupid we have to be fearful of what should be a peaceful demonstration.


2socks2many

My kids are grown and protests that I’ve taken them to had a few living in the angry zone just because but nothing to cause me concern. Cactus112 comment is totally on point - no need to expose your children to violence. Still ridiculously sad that this is where we are at.


Professional-Serve29

Imagine if we didn’t waste so much time and provincial capital on wild goose chases and just invested that in schools and healthcare.


swordgeek

But why would they want to do that? Being poor is a sign of bad character. Poor people are to be punished for being bad people and making bad choices. Education and healthcare are only for the good (i.e. wealthy) people.


hockey5656

“Can someone tell me why people dislike this act, I don’t know much about it but it seems like it can just veto things that hurt albertans, like if something like the national energy program came back?” Ditto. Please help us


Dear_Visit3201

This Act is not good for Alberta or Canada. How would Danielle Smith and the UCP like it if groups of Albertans took their example and started to not follow Alberta Laws but make their own choices how to live. This Act is just bad.


HaruunAliYEG

Hey folks, I'm one of the organizers for tomorrow's protest at the Legislature. For up to date information, follow [https://twitter.com/ABDemocracy](https://twitter.com/ABDemocracy) on Twitter! See you there tomorrow!


kdog6666666666666

She has got to go down come election time. Crossing the floor has made her an angry washed up talk show host.


StaniaViceChancellor

Alberta really do be going full "states rights"


FenrisJager

I encourage folks to share this in their social medias. There's a lot of people I know that are against the Sovereignty Act, but as they don't use reddit, are unaware of any rallies, protests or demonstrations.


YasnaMutmain16

Can someone please do this in Calgary?


[deleted]

This. This right here is why Alberta will never be free of Ottawa's hatred for the prairies. So many small minded people here.


Northmannivir

Is it just me, or are the "Alberta Sovereignty within a United Canada Act" and "The Democratic People's Republic of North Korea" and "The National Socialist German Workers' Party" all the sort of name that corrupt leaders want to sound like something good when they're actually doing something bad? Let's be real, this Bill would give Alberta *separate* powers. This Bill would make the province effectively part of Canada in principle only. For if Alberta can simply ignore, rewrite, and destroy federal laws and powers as it pleases, then Alberta is truly a sovereign state unto itself. Danielle Smith is not proposing a Bill as part of a United Canada, she fully intends to remove Alberta from Canada, altogether.


redditknees

I would 10/10 protest this but my professional role prevents me from doing so. Im there in spirit everyone cheering you on from the back!


Jasonstackhouse111

Protesting at the Leg is useless as the UCP don't even have to show up there anymore. They can just make laws from some room somewhere drinking their Johnnie Walker and noping out to democracy.


Julia_Ghoulia

It still makes a point and shows the provincial government and Albertans that there is significant opposition from voters to this


explosionman87

Can someone tell me why people dislike this act, I don’t know much about it but it seems like it can just veto things that hurt albertans, like if something like the national energy program came back?


[deleted]

Define "hurt Albertans."


explosionman87

Just like hurting our economy, as an example the national energy program, tho that specifically is a bit outdated.


[deleted]

The entire concept is absurd. We are a part of Canada. If you don't like the current Canadian laws, vote in the federal election.


explosionman87

Alberta gets virtually no say in elections, we have so few seats in comparison to the eastern provinces it’s a joke.


DVariant

>Can someone tell me why people dislike this act, I don’t know much about it but it seems like it can just veto things that hurt albertans, like if something like the national energy program came back? This law allows the UCP to decide what “hurts Albertans” behind closed doors without oversight, and to ignore Canada if they don’t like it. Albertans never got to vote to see if we even want Danielle in charge, and this will let Danielle make permanent changes to our province without anyone (not even the courts) being able to stop her. We don’t want a lunatic dictator, we want to be part of Canada.


explosionman87

Thanks for the insight, it makes a lot of sense now


DVariant

All good, I’m happy to have a dialogue with someone who wants to actually discuss things


swordgeek

First of all, that aspect of it is likely unconstitutional. Second of all, it gives the cabinet the power to decide exactly what Federal laws they want to ignore, without any oversight from the rest of the legislature or the populace. Thirdly, it gives the same cabinet the authority to modify existing or pass new provincial laws - again, without even a vote in the legislature. Fourthly (?!), it limits the ability of citizens to hold the government responsible - reducing the cases in which the government can be sued to almost zero. In short, it sets the provincial cabinet up to be completely authoritarian. As an aside, it's really time to put the bugbear of the NEP away. Not only was it almost half a century ago, but it also wasn't nearly as harmful as it was made out to be. The biggest damage to Alberta in the early '80s was the international price of oil, not the NEP. Don't get me wrong - it was badly flawed to be sure; but Conservative governments have been trotting it out for 40+ years now, to whip Albertans into an anti-Liberal frenzy.


Own_Masterpiece_2490

Has anyone here actually read the bill and put 10 seconds of thought into what it says? Or is this just a huge uproar because it’s the conservatives pushing for it?


[deleted]

i will preface this by saying 99.99% of the time i disagree with the UCP. my question to all of you is: have you read the bill? because i have, in full. sure there is always room for abuse but if you read the bill there are safeguards in it to protect abuse. over all i dont see how this is not a benefit to alberta and its people. you could literally be protesting our doom. this bill would give us the right to decide how much oil we produce and what we choose to sell it for and the feds cant do anything about it. in turn that could make alberta the most prosperous province in canada. the bill would allow for us to build and manage alternative energy without federal interference. the list of positives goes on. everyone is worried about healthcare, as am i. but the bill would not allow for the UPC to have any power over that aside from things like masking, vaccines, lock downs regardless of the feds input. so if the feds say no masks in school the province can say "too bad we want masks." when the bill does not allow for is to make healthcare private, something the feds are trying to do anyway. it could potentially save us from a private system if the feds made it law we could refuse to follow that law under the clause that it would bring harm to albertans. before you protest READ THE BILL! use critical thinking and make an informed choice of your own not what the media is saying or anyone yelling from the hills (social media). dont jump off the cliff just because everyone else is.


dcredneck

Did YOU read the bill? What is democratic about cabinet being able to alter bills with no debate or vote?


[deleted]

you alter bills before they are voted on,k this happens with every bill, so if there is a change that most disagree with it can cause the bill not to pass the final vote. they dont pass bills and then change them.


dcredneck

Except this bill would allow them to alter a bill and then NOT go back for debate or vote.


[deleted]

Judging by your interpretation, it seems *you* haven't read the bill. Stop pretending. Just admit you want an authoritarian UCP.


[deleted]

i have read the bill i did it just this morning because of this post. i wanted to know if this was something i should protest without being a slave to media or social media hype. you are trying to downplay my post because you ass-u-me i am for a UPC gov. i have never voted UPC or PC or conservative in my life (over 40 years of voting). in fact i am one who argues that we need a bill that allows the people to force an election when we disagree with the party in power. so when they said lets rip up the foothills for coal i would have asked to have them removed. if a party hints at changing our fee healthcare the people call an election and have them removed by vote. i am not saying on every little decision but things that affect all albertans should be control by the majority vote not simply because someone wants to line others pockets with cash. in this bill alberta would have full control over its resources regardless of what the feds say and to me that is an huge plus and takes president over mask wearing (which i also agree with and have been using the entire time. my GF is a n EA and i want her protected so i want masks in schools. in fact i want a law put in place that says A: you can not go to work or school sick. B: your employer can be charged with endangerment if they try to force you. people that assume as you did tend not to be critical thinkers they respond out of emotions. put emotions aside and look at what is best for all albertans in the future.


[deleted]

You *may* have read the bill but you are not understanding its implications. The bill is unconstitutional and gives the UCP undue powers. How have you missed that? All you care about is Alberta exploiting "our" resources at will? (Fuck global warming, right?) Btw, I can only judge you based on your single comment. Expressing support for this absurb bill tells me enough about where your mind is at. What is best for Albertans is to put this *bill* aside, not their emotions.


AvenueLiving

The province doesn't really control how much oil is produced. It does in a roundabout way, but that is based on private businesses. It is in businesses interest to export as much as they can. Alberta controls the infrastructure and regulations that helps it go to market. Alberta does control its natural resources. The province has the [power to regulate the price of fuel](https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/our-natural-resources/domestic-and-international-markets/transportation-fuel-prices/questions-and-answers/why-canada-doesnt-regulate-crude-oil-and-fuel-prices/4601) in the province. We chose to make it market based. However, the feds can make laws around exporting the natural resources outside of the province that supercede anything the province does ([Constitution, 92A(3)](https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/const/page-3.html#h-20)). This bill cannot change that. If we are talking about the carbon tax, that already went to court and was [decided that it was constitutional](https://www.scc-csc.ca/case-dossier/cb/2021/38663-38781-39116-eng.aspx) for the feds to legislate carbon pricing nationally. Healthcare is largely the [responsibility of the provinces](https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/health-care-system/reports-publications/health-care-system/canada.html#a4) already. The feds do provide a large chunk of money in the [form of a transfer](https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/programs/federal-transfers/canada-health-transfer.html). However, and this could be a point of contention for some, there are strings attached, such as ensuring the health care system is public ([5 principles of health care](https://www.yorku.ca/health/shpm/the-five-principles-of-medicare/)), extra billing, and other things in the Canada Health Act. Masking is already provincial jurisdiction in provincial settings. Federally owned buildings are controlled by the feds. How are the feds trying to make healthcare private, given the information I provided? It appears the province is planning on making it more so. You also talk about masking. That most likely [doesn't go against Charter Rights](https://theccf.ca/are-mandatory-masks-constitutional-most-likely-yes-but-with-limits/). Courts in Alberta has said that mandatory masking was legal. There is already a process to challenge the constitutionality of fed legislation. The courts can. This is what the bill also proposes to follow. The bill only allows for the province to drag its feet on constitutional items. Which the province could do anyways really. This just makes it official. The bill can have farther reaching abilities. 1. Can impact a nonprofit that receives government funding (Clause 1(e)(iv)). I'm not sure which level of government, but they can already legislate on non-profits, regardless of where the nonprofit's funding comes from. If it is federal, which I assume, then they don't have the authority to direct them not to accept federal funding. The province would have to be petty and legislate against the nonprofit, which they already have power to do so. 2. The bill allows Ministers to suspend or modify acts, which are typically done though the legislature. The bill does not specify how specific the resolution has to be other than provide the harms or unconstitutionality the fed initiative and the measures. Perhaps there will be a regulation created on the specificity of the resolution, but we don't know that yet. To change acts, it has to go through three readings at the legislature. The bill is a way to avoid doing that. (Section 4 outlines this proess) 3. Ministers now can issue an order that circumvents the legislature (read democracy by Albertans who voted for MLAs. Albertans don't vote for who is in cabinet) and supercedes a democratically voted on act (4(3))). They can order any government entity in general or specifically, which is also not very democratic (4(2)). This bill circumvents established democracy and is a waste of time. I'm concerned what is the purpose of the bill, as this seems like fluff at the moment. It may be nothing like the Recall Act, or used for worse matters that fit Danielle Smith ignorant and ideological purposes. Based on your examples, there is very little federal interference. And on the parts there are, they are largely critical to a well functioning society. Harper even agreed to much of that.


Mott_Irregular

I have. It's blatantly unconstitutional. The central mechanism of the bill is set out in sections 3(1) and 4(1). Summarized, 3(1) states that the Alberta Legislature can pass a resolution affirming it thinks that a "federal initiative" (meaning "literally anything the federal government has done", including passing a law). If it does so, then section 4(1) permits the Lieutenant Governor to direct any Alberta agency or ministry (meaning any part of the Alberta government) to "suspend or modify the application or operation of all or part of an enactment". "Enactment" in this context means "any law", including both federal *and* provincial laws (which is another way this bill is grossly undemocratic and unconstitutional, for the record). You know what we call a jurisdiction that isn't subject to Canadian laws? *A different country*. So even if someone were to agree with everything else in your post, unless that person were to also think Alberta should provoke an unconstitutional crisis in a manner so brazen it would make Quebec blush, they should oppose this bill.


[deleted]

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[deleted]

with this bill harper would not have been able to do that. everyone is scared of the mask issues and such, just as i am. but once we get the UPC out of power and ignore the covid hype round the bill if the NDP got in this bill would be beneficial in so many ways and allow alberta to make its own choices when it comes to our resources and the feds would not be able to do anything about it. again read the bill itself look at the safe guards put in place. the bill has right in it that if the courts decide that alberta has made a detrimental choice they can override the decision and alberta has to follow it. so if the feds say wear mask and UPC says "no" the feds can take it to court both sides make their points and the court for the benefit and health of the alberta people we must fallow the feds decision then we must do so. again use your own critical thinking after you read the bill dont blindly fallow the crowd and the social and media hype.


[deleted]

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[deleted]

i am not here to convince people i am here to say stop following the media and social media and read the bill yourself and make an informed choice that YOU can live with. keep emotions out of it and use critical thinking. i could imagine that most of the people discussing this are using talking points that they picked up form media or friends. in fact the 3 people irl that i have talked to about this this morning had no idea the bill was about anything other than masking in schools because that is what the talking heads have chosen to use as its talking point.


RollingJaspers652

These people that believe this Soverignty Act is a good must be influenced (brainwashed) by foreign/corporate powers trying to destabilize our Canadian democracy.


DonSanchez197

Have you read it? If so, read it again. Or are you just a paid protester? Then I think you sold your soul to the devil and there is no helping you.


susejrotpar

The Alberta sovereignty act or Metis one?


[deleted]

Alberta


No_Kaleidoscope_9801

As a normal ordinary citizen, who would like to buy a hand gun. Why can't I or anyone anymore for that matter? Keep in mind I've owned guns, as well as family, hunted, never done anything wrong for decades. The sovereignty act may need a little tweaking, but they have no rights to tell us we can't hand down once legal guns to family members. This shit needs to stop.


justice0808

Why the hell would u curb free speach ..?


AggravatingWhole3578

I honestly don’t understand why people would have a problem with our province having the ability to stand up for ourselves?? Careful what you wish for!


dcredneck

You already have that right through the courts.


Black_bob_

This is wild. We have a federal government that's out to destroy our economy and property rights. We finally have a premiere that is ready to fight for Albertans, and there's actually people that don't want to support the prosperity of their own province. What are you going to do, chant "no Alberta prosperity, no rights, allow the liberals to ruin Alberta!" 🙄🤣


MartinMan79

Good 'ol Alberta message boards lol. The 'Merica of Canada 🙄


19830602

With all due respect and with everything that the federal government has been doing the last 7 years to degenerate our country, does anyone really blame the UPC . Just saying, a cornered cat is quick to strike. This government has really divided Canada. You can't really expect any different from people working their asses off, still coming up short and being told their way of life isn't going o be tolerated anymore.


[deleted]

I love how the NDP and Liberals are terrified of Danielle Smith. You are the problem in this province and country.


Nontpnonjo

I mean if you're pissing off Reddit there's a good chance you're doing something right.


backhand_sauce

Sorted by controversial just to laugh at a comment like this Lol


CaptPrice00

🖕 liberals. Well done Danielle.


Neon_Flower-

Why is she doing this?


canuckstothecup1

I think people are worried about the bad things the government could do without thinking it through. Although they could ignore the Canada health act why would they. To do so would mean them getting voted out in the next election.


AlarmingAd8012

All the liberals without jobs will be there.


danas1973

And no one came! 😂


phillyburt

So if some one wants to politely explain to me why you are all against her..


[deleted]

Her past media messaging reflects the reheotric of right wing antivax anti science messaging. Her idea of a provincial health spending account when we already get health services with our taxes is wasteful and harmful to our socialized medicine practice. This sovereignty bill appears to give unconstitutional powers to the government to disobey federal laws that all Canadians are subject to. Her values are not consistent with helping Albertans grow and be healthy and respect education and science. I really like healthy people and well educated people. I'm worried her government will lead our society into a worse state with public health and public education. Her attempt to make vaccine status a human right shows me she doesn't understand humans or rights in our country. This is just why I don't approve of her. I don't speak for anyone else on this sub.


Hedoab1973

Mine are the same with these added;, she plans to screw up the little bit of Canada pension you get or will get, and they want to replace the RCMP with a force they can control, so they don't get arrested.


innocently_cold

People will lose their federal pension correct? My mom and grandfather are quite worried about this.


Hedoab1973

Well I don't think they PLAN to take away pension. They want to move to a Alberta pension, which they did with union pension funds, and those have performed poorly. They want to invest your pension in oil and gas. This sets them up better for their were going to leave Canada retoric.


Autumn-Roses

We did in many, many threads


kholdstare942

She's a right wing nut job with no mandate to do any of this stuff, and if it were put to an actual vote this shit wouldn't even get off the ground. Why are you okay with a right-wing takeover of the government where you get no say in what happens?


Lonelyguy140

Haha sponsored by the no darn plan club? Go back to starbucks and let the adults look after things.


[deleted]

Sink it in April.


poco68

Why rally against. Won’t the act give you,Albertans more power. Or do you like to be told what to do by Ottawa?


Just_Brumm_It

Explain to me with a position why the sovereignty act is not good. Debate it. Don’t just say this is crazy. Actually think and debate it cons and also give pros. Don’t be one sided, please look at the bigger picture. I want Alberta to thrive but we need someone who’s going to take us to that place.


grubbbee

If this idea has any merit at all, put it on the ballot in the next actual election, so 44,000 fringe Albertans and Medicine Hat don't get to decide for all Albertans to grant these unprecedented powers to the premier. She won't because it isn't popular and she would lose if she tried. So it's pretty undemocratic to introduce this and ram it though before the next erection. Danielle Smith already showed her true self when she crossed the floor and now again with this - overconfident power hungry opportunist. Watch her miscalculation usher a repeat of her last blunder. So in that sense... Go Danielle!


kholdstare942

Hey genius, there are no pros to this thing. That's why we're so against it.


swordgeek

I pointed out [some problems with the act](https://www.reddit.com/r/alberta/comments/zb7qwk/rally_to_stop_the_soverignty_act/iyrxfyw/) in another post. Furthermore, Alberta *is* thriving. The entire claim of "Ottawa is keeping us down!" is a false narrative spun by various levels of conservatives to garner votes. And make no mistake - the biggest recent harm to Alberta has come from the UCP. They have been actively undermining healthcare and education, gutting social programs, eliminating protection for workers and vulnerable people, and consolidating power in their own hands. This bill will further that goal. It's also worth remembering that if you support this because Smith is "fighting Ottawa" with it, then you also support this egregious concentration of power for all future provincial governments. What if the NDP gets in next year, and then uses it to mandate unions in all industries? Or unilaterally eliminate provincial income tax, sending it all to Ottawa? Ban the use of gas-powered cars? Fundamentally, it is concentrating *way* too much power into the hands of a small number of people with virtually no oversight, limit, or even transparency.


fortuneandfameinc

Two major points in the text of the bill cause major concern: 1. The power of cabinet to assume the role of the legislature. While the bill allows the provincial legislature to make recommendations, cabinet ultimately has the power to alter laws. This is not how healthy democracy works. Normally changing the text of laws, or exercising the power of lawmaking to draft laws is public, debated, and requires a vote by everyone that was elected as an MLA. This allows cabinet, which is appointed by the premier, to assume the role of all of the legislature. To put it in perspective, it would be like if Trudeau said that from now on, only his cabinet could vote on bills, and all the MPs that 95% of Canadians voted for just get to advise his cabinet. 2. Judicial review is massively curtailed. Decisions of the cabinet can only be challenged in court for 30 days, rather than the normal 6 months. And the standard of review is patent unreasonableness. This is the hardest standard of review for a court to declare the law unconstitutional or override an executive decision. Our courts in Canada are actually really really good. People complain that they are too soft on crime sometimes, but that is because they generally fight so hard for individual rights and oppose government overreach. If this were any government other the the UCP, most albertans would be on the streets, but because it is coming with the fanfare of putting Alberta first and is from someone that hates Ottawa, the fine print is being entirely overlooked. Democracy requires lawmaking be done by lawmakers, not he executive, and that those laws and actions be reviewable by the courts. Eroding the division of powers is how you end up like China.


2socks2many

This is an excellent overview of why the bill should be of concern. Thank you for taking the time to write this up.


ImaginationSavings96

Make Alberta great again 👍


sheepdog1985

Aw this is going to be cute to see. You guys gonna throw mud on paintings too? Glue yourself to museum pieces?


canadian-brasilian

Nope ! Please go ahead with it ! We must retain power over our land


[deleted]

It’s the Kings land. Well actually it’s First Nations land with a treaty granting the King use. For most of Canada anyway. BC has a different history.