UCP MLAs divided, unsure of support for possible Alberta Sovereignty Act
CBC
If elected leader of the United Conservative Party, Danielle Smith may have a challenge convincing all of her caucus to vote for her signature law.
A proposed Alberta Sovereignty Act has been the centrepiece of Smith's campaign to become party leader and the province's next premier. No draft of the legislation yet exists but an FAQ about it has been posted online.
The former leader of the Wildrose Opposition says the act would allow the Alberta legislature to decline to enforce any federal law or court decision it decides is counter to the province's interests.
But there's a growing number of cabinet ministers who say they can't vote for what she's proposing.
"As it's drafted right now, or as it's described, I couldn't support – but it's highly hypothetical whether it would ever be tabled," Energy Minister Sonya Savage said Thursday while heading into the legislature.
MLAs were back in Edmonton for a special one-day sitting to mark the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
Savage said although she supports standing up to the federal government to defend Alberta's interests, she could not vote in favour of a potentially illegal bill.
Community and Social Services Minister Jason Luan said he couldn't, either, and says he has "grave concerns" about the proposal.
"It's created lots of uncertainty, particularly when the province is poised to have an economic boom," he said.
Both ministers support former finance minister Travis Toews' campaign for leader.
They join Premier Jason Kenney and Finance Minister Jason Nixon in recoiling at the proposed legislation.
Calgary-Falconridge MLA Devinder Toor and Service Alberta Minister Nate Glubish are among those who support the idea. Both have backed Smith's leadership campaign.
Glubish said a Smith-led government would have caucus to advise her on how an act could best work. He disagrees that such legislation would scare investors away from Alberta.
"I would look forward to having the opportunity to work with Danielle to ensure that it is a well-crafted piece of legislation," Glubish said Thursday. "There's a lot that has to happen before that."
