Premier Jason Kenney during a stop in Lethbridge in 2021. (Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Alberta challenging Ottawa’s use of Emergencies Act

May 7, 2022 | 9:07 AM

EDMONTON, AB – The provincial government is taking the federal government to court.

The Federal Court has granted an application by the Government of Alberta, which will allow them to be involved in all issues raised in court regarding the Government of Canada’s use of the Emergencies Act.

Premier Jason Kenney adds that Ottawa’s use of the Act could set a “dangerous precedent.”

“Their decision to invoke the act violated the constitutionally guaranteed rights of Albertans, and all Canadians. It is our duty to do everything we can to protect Albertans’ freedoms and liberties from this kind of breach,” Kenney says. “No government should have the power to seize a person’s property or withhold access to their assets without due process of the law.”

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

11h ago

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

17h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

'Compassionate Friends' offer peer support for bereaved in Medicine Hat

Dec 11, 2024

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau enacted the Emergencies Act on February 14, 2022, in response to the convoy protests in downtown Ottawa and near border crossings in Ontario and Southern Alberta.

It gave police temporary emergency powers to end the illegal blockades and was revoked nine days later.

Alberta Justice Minister Tyler Shandro believes that it was not only a violation of jurisdiction but was also unnecessary.

“This federal government tactic was an unjustified violation of provincial jurisdiction under Canada’s Constitution, especially when the blockades at the Coutts and Windsor borders were effectively resolved without the federal Emergencies Act,” says Shandro.

The decision to utilize the powers under the Emergencies Act was controversial, sparking passionate responses from politicians and others from across the region.

READ MORE: Southern Alberta MPs voice opposition to Emergencies Act

READ MORE: Trudeau revokes Emergencies Act