Danielle Smith to invoke Sovereignty Act over federal net-zero targets Monday
Posted Nov 27, 2023 9:59 am.
Last Updated Nov 27, 2023 10:38 am.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is set to reveal the architecture of the infamous Sovereignty Act Monday, ahead of it being tabled in the legislature for the first time since it was passed last year.
She said on her radio show over the weekend it was being invoked to reject the federal net-zero by 2035 target.
But, political scientist Lori Williams, says it’s hard to say why Smith is making moves now.
“Legislation that’s targeted on something that doesn’t yet exist — perhaps, again, it’s a negotiating tactic to try to push it a particular direction,” she said.
The premier added she “has had it” with Guilbeault, and says that he doesn’t seem to care about the law, or the constitution — something the premier says is really important to her.
Read more: Alberta Premier Danielle Smith to use Sovereignty Act on proposed energy regulations
Another political scientist, Duane Bratt, seems more sure of the motivation, saying it looks like Smith’s government is choosing to attack because of recent losses the feds have suffered in court.
“Quite frankly, I think Smith has wanted to use this for a while and this now seems like the perfect opportunity for her,” he explained.
Smith added that she won’t let provincial energy operators be at risk of going to jail for not reaching the feds targets, and that it’s time to defend Alberta’s constitution.
Her government has said 2050 is a reasonable timeline for a net-zero grid.
The idea of rejecting the feds was a huge focal point in how Smith not only became leader of her party, but as premier of the province.
Smith is expected to speak at a press conference at 11:30 a.m. before introducing the Act in the legislature around 3 p.m.
