When Jason Kenney thinks the right is exaggerating, you should start listening.
The former premier of Alberta quit politics the day his successor Danielle Smith introduced her controversial “sovereignty” bill, and that’s no coincidence.
In his resignation letter, he sent a somewhat subliminal message. “I am concerned to see that our democratic life is moving away from ordinary cautious debate towards a polarization that undermines the foundation of our institutions. »
Kenney was pushed out by his hard-right MPs who denounced his anti-COVID-19 measures, which were more moderate than those of other provinces.
We can rationally criticize the state of health emergency. But not by supporting Mr.me Smith. Because it goes much further in the decline of democracy.
During her run for the Conservative leadership, she promised that under her leadership, Alberta could override federal laws or Supreme Court rulings.
His bill gives up challenging the Constitution, but it does contain a surprise. The Alberta Assembly could authorize the government not to apply federal laws on two conditions: if they infringe on its jurisdiction or if they are harmful (harmful). Mme Smith thus introduces an arbitrary criterion, harmfulness. And it would replace the courts by judging the laws itself.
Quebeckers are used to a mixture of ignorance and contempt for the rest of Canada with every gesture of national affirmation.
Let’s not do the same with Alberta. Let’s be charitable for a few seconds.
A province may not apply certain federal decisions. This is what British Columbia will do, which will soon suspend a section of the Criminal Code on drugs. From February 2023, she will no longer arrest those who possess small amounts of illicit substances, a move applauded by addiction experts.
Quebec followed a similar logic with its pioneering law on medical assistance in dying. She authorized this ultimate medical gesture even if it came into direct tension with the federal ban on euthanasia.
In both cases, the provinces said they were acting within their areas of jurisdiction, namely health and the administration of justice.
Alberta could imitate them by, for example, asking its prosecutors not to lay charges against those who possess prohibited weapons.
There is a tension here between values (gun control) and principles (respect for provincial autonomy).
Normally, if Quebec wants to defend its jurisdictions, it must support the provinces that imitate it. But in this case, it’s different. Alberta goes much further.
Its legislature would determine whether a federal law is harmful. Under a Conservative majority government, Premier Smith could single-handedly impose this decision. Thereafter, she would have a blank cheque. She would then govern by decree. Without tabling a bill, without consulting experts, without debating with elected officials.
This special power would last for two years and then be renewable for two more years. In short, for a full mandate.
For years, political scientists have deplored the concentration of power in the hands of the Prime Minister. Mme Smith would break records.
You didn’t like the exceptional powers that governments assumed during the pandemic? Here’s the version on steroids, promoted by those screaming “freedom” while others tried to save lives.
For now, the danger remains theoretical. It is not known when, or even if Mme Smith would invoke this law.
His term will end soon. Albertans will go to the polls in May 2023.
Perhaps the bill is a ploy to entrap NDP Leader Rachel Notley — if she criticizes it, she appears to support the federal enemy. But so far, it’s not going very well.
The Calgary Chamber of Commerce denounced the measure, as did the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers. Despite their billions, they are begging Ottawa for money to develop the controversial carbon capture technology, and this clash will not help them.
Quebec nationalists shouldn’t get too excited. In the environment, the collision promises to be head-on and will harm everyone.
Mme Smith is gearing up to waive the future federal cap on GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector. If she succeeds, Canada would remain the dunce of the G20. And the modest efforts of Quebec would be canceled several times over by the oil sands.
Much to Jason Kenney’s chagrin, Mr.me Smith specialized in resentment. She mobilized through anger. And today, she doesn’t seem to know how to convert that emotion into political action.
It could end badly.