EDMONTON—The government of Alberta is applauding Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe’s move to introduce Sovereignty Act-style legislation for more autonomy over its economic future.
Moe’s government is set to introduce the Saskatchewan First Act in the coming days as it seeks more independence over its natural resources. It also wants the separation of provincial and federal powers, as outlined in Canada’s Constitution, written in its own laws.
As it works to develop its own sovereignty legislation, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s office said her government hopes to see more provinces follow the prairies’ move to defend their jurisdictional rights.
“It’s great to see other provinces–like Saskatchewan, follow Alberta’s lead in defending provincial existing constitutional division of powers,” a spokesperson with Smith’s office said in a statement to The Epoch Times.
“It’s no secret this is a top priority for our government and we hope to continue to see other jurisdictions do the same.”
In a speech to party members at the United Conservative Party (UCP) annual general meeting on Oct. 22, Smith said work has begun on her proposed Sovereignty Act. She first pitched the legislation during the UCP leadership race to oppose federal legislation deemed harmful to the province.
“When Ottawa announces policies and laws that attack our economy or violate the rights of our people or when Ottawa seeks to take control of our sovereign areas of provincial jurisdiction, our UCP government will not enforce those laws and policies in this province, period,” Smith said on Oct. 22.
The Saskatchewan government has said its Saskatchewan First Act would define that “Saskatchewan alone” has exclusive jurisdiction over its natural resources and economic future.
In the throne speech on Oct. 26, Saskatchewan Lt.-Gov. Russell Mirastry said the legislation will draw the jurisdictional line and defend that line based on the existing constitutional divisions of powers.
Mirastry added that the proposed legislation is “not about abrogating or ignoring the Constitution.”
Moe said on Oct. 26 that his government would “respect and follow all the laws of the land” amid the changes.
“We’re trying to do everything we can as a province to try to provide clarity for the investment community and for Saskatchewan residents, as well as Canadians,” he said.
Smith, meanwhile, outlined a plan to push back against Ottawa on major policy issues like the gun buyback program. In a letter to her cabinet on Oct. 27, the new premier said Alberta is consistently treated as a subordinate level of government with unilateral federal decisions that landlock resources, undermine provincial prosperity, and make life less affordable for Albertans.
“On major policy issues, our government will be discussing a push back strategy to address issues such as the federal oil and gas emissions cap fertilizer reductions, and the firearms confiscation program,” Smith wrote.
“Alberta has its own legislation, policies, priorities, and procedures.”
The Canadian Press contributed to this report.
