Latest news with #MickeyAmery
CBC
16-05-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Days after end of spring session, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith set to shuffle cabinet
Social Sharing Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is set to shuffle her cabinet days after the spring sitting of the legislature broke for the summer. New ministers are scheduled to be sworn in by Lt.-Gov. Salma Lakhani this afternoon in Calgary. Smith is to make an earlier unrelated announcement but is not taking questions from reporters following the swearing-in. WATCH | Some promises fulfilled, plus a few surprises: What you might have missed during the Alberta Legislature's spring sitting 17 hours ago Duration 3:16 The Alberta government fulfilled some promises and revealed a few surprises during the spring sitting, including legislation that makes it easier for citizens to force a provincial referendum. A bill that passed debate in the final hours of the legislature sitting lowers the bar for citizens to initiate a referendum question, including whether Alberta should secede from Canada. Justice Minister Mickey Amery also offered an amendment to address concerns from First Nations over the bill, declaring no referendum would interfere with treaty rights. Those changes didn't satisfy some First Nations chiefs in the province, who say separating from Canada threatens their treaty relationship with the Crown.
CTV News
16-05-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith set to shuffle her cabinet
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Minister of Justice Mickey Amery make their way to the swearing-in of her cabinet, in Edmonton, Friday, June 9, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is set to shuffle her cabinet days after the spring sitting of the legislature broke for the summer. New ministers are scheduled to be sworn in by Lt.-Gov. Salma Lakhani this afternoon in Calgary. Smith is to make an earlier unrelated announcement but is not taking questions from reporters following the swearing-in. A bill that passed debate in the final hours of the legislature sitting lowers the bar for citizens to initiate a referendum question, including whether Alberta should secede from Canada. Justice Minister Mickey Amery also offered an amendment to address concerns from First Nations over the bill, declaring no referendum would interfere with treaty rights. Those changes didn't satisfy some First Nations chiefs in the province, who say separating from Canada threatens their treaty relationship with the Crown. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 16, 2025. The Canadian Press
CTV News
15-05-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
Alberta government amends referendum bill in effort to placate First Nations' concern
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Minister of Justice Mickey Amery announce proposed changes to several pieces of democratic process legislation, in Edmonton on Tuesday April 29, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson EDMONTON — Alberta's government has made 11th-hour changes to controversial proposed legislation, declaring that no separation referendum question could threaten First Nations' existing treaty rights. Premier Danielle Smith's government is working to considerably lower the threshold to allow for citizen-initiated referendums, including whether the province should separate from Canada. Her government's proposed bill has yet to become law, but it's faced backlash from Indigenous leaders since its introduction in the house more than two weeks ago. Justice Minister Mickey Amery said Wednesday the United Conservative Party government has heard concerns from First Nations on how such a referendum might affect treaty rights. 'We are listening,' he said. Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation Chief Sheldon Sunshine and Mikisew Cree First Nation Chief Billy-Joe Tuccaro were quick to release a statement saying the amendment 'means nothing,' and the proposed bill still needs to be shredded. 'We have heard from many treaty people; we are united in our resistance. None of us will back down,' they said, noting a protest is planned Thursday at the legislature grounds in Edmonton. 'Now that your government has thrown these legislative grenades, in the matter of two weeks, you will take five months off while the rest of us work hard,' they wrote. Opposition NDP Indigenous relations critic Brooks Arcand-Paul said during debate in the house, the government's amendment does nothing more than commit the province to what it is already legally obligated to do. He said the UCP is merely paying lip service to Indigenous people. 'It is reprehensible,' Arcand-Paul said. 'This government fails abhorrently when it comes to consultation. I look forward to the legal challenges that come,' Arcand-Paul told the assembly. Earlier Wednesday, NDP Deputy Leader Rakhi Pancholi told reporters that adding a line to the bill wouldn't legally be enough to respect the rights to consultation that Indigenous peoples have in the province. 'Fundamentally, any conversation about separatism, any conversation about Alberta -- unilaterally or through a referendum process -- removing itself from Canada, means we are already violating our treaty rights,' she said. Premier Smith has said she doesn't support separating her province from Canada, but Albertans have genuine grievances with the federal government, and she wants concessions from Liberal Prime Minister Mark Carney. She has argued that Alberta, particularly its oil and gas industry, has been undermined for a decade by anti-business policies and laws from the federal Liberals. While Smith has said she's working to gain respect for Alberta within a united Canada, she doesn't want to see the Alberta separatist movement grow into a large, mainstream political party. In a Tuesday letter to First Nations chiefs representing the Blackfoot Confederacy, Treaty 8 First Nations, Treaty 6 First Nations, and Treaty 7 First Nations, Premier Smith appealed for their help in directly lobbying Ottawa for a 'fair share' of federal funding for Alberta. She offered Wednesday's amendment to her government's legislation as a gesture of goodwill. Smith said federal funding represents an injustice to First Nations in Alberta, and cited the 'treasured relationship' between First Nations and the province to argue for taking a united case to Ottawa. 'I hope we can walk this path together for everyone we represent,' wrote Smith. A second amendment from the government passed Wednesday addresses one of several major concerns aired last week by chief electoral officer Gordon McClure. McClure has said some of the bill's changes would effectively kill the election commissioner's ability to investigate and enforce compliance with election law, including by limiting investigations into financial contribution rules and limits to one year instead of three. Minister Amery said an amendment introduced Wednesday to the bill would lengthen that timeline to two years after alleged wrongdoing. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 14, 2025. Lisa Johnson, The Canadian Press
CBC
10-05-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Alberta's chief electoral officer warns proposals in Bill 54 will hurt investigations
Alberta's chief electoral officer is warning the government that proposed legislation will impair the election commissioner's power to investigate election rule breaking. A controversial bill introduced last month, if passed, will make sweeping changes to voting and referendums in the province, and is making its way through debate in the legislature. In documents sent to Justice Minister Mickey Amery and all legislature members Friday and obtained by The Canadian Press, chief electoral officer Gordon McClure warns that some changes in the bill will reduce the election commissioner's ability to investigate and enforce compliance with election law, including financial contribution rules and limits. A summary of concerns attached to the email says one of the bill's proposed changes would significantly reduce the time period for Elections Alberta to impose sanctions after alleged misconduct occurs — to one year from three. "None of the significant investigations undertaken by the elections commissioner in the last five years would have been completed if this reduced time period had been in place. Several current investigations will not be completed," the document says. It adds that Elections Alberta doesn't even receive most complaints about financial compliance within a year because of various financial reporting timelines. McClure writes that some of the bill makes improvements, but other changes "will deteriorate the service provided to electors, compromise Albertans' trust in the democratic process, and remove elements of transparency and accountability." The summary says the bill will also introduce a new threshold for investigations, putting the onus on a complainant to "provide a substantively completed investigation" before the election commissioner can even start looking into a complaint. "We are not aware of any other jurisdiction in Canada that has imposed a similar standard to initiate investigations," it says, noting that move would eliminate the majority of compliance work by the election commissioner. And, if the bill passes, it would force the election commissioner to defend their decisions as a "quasi-prosecutor" before the courts if they are appealed, the document says. McClure points to further concerns about the elimination of vote anywhere provisions, the removal of vouching for voter identification, and the change to timelines associated with special ballots. Amery said in a statement Friday all of the bill's proposals are meant to "protect our democracy, deliver fair and open elections, and restore confidence in every vote cast by Albertans." Amery did not directly address McClure's concerns, nor did he say if he would consider walking any portion of the legislation back. "Alberta's government consulted with Elections Alberta," he said, adding if the bill passes, Elections Alberta will have the resources it needs to comply. "These changes are meant to expand opportunities for Albertans to participate directly in democracy, including the expansion of special ballots, giving more flexibility with the types of proof of residence that can be used, and improving recall and citizen initiative processes," Amery said. The NDP has raised many concerns about the bill, saying it will lead to voter suppression, and introduce "dark money" by allowing corporate and union donations into the process. Opposition NDP justice critic Irfan Sabir told The Canadian Press on Friday the bill will make the election process less transparent. He said McClure's letter raises serious concerns that the governing United Conservatives are undermining investigations into election law, which would let those who break the rules off the hook. "If there's nobody to investigate whether the rules were upheld, then those rules don't mean anything. That will certainly impact the trust and confidence that Albertans have in their election system," he said. The proposed bill has also been making headlines since its introduction because it would lower the threshold for a citizen-led referendum, including on separating from Canada. Critics have said that opens the door to division at a time when the country needs to be united against the trade war tariffs of U.S. President Donald Trump. The day Amery introduced the bill, Premier Danielle Smith said its changes would ensure Alberta's provincial elections are open, secure and accessible. "Democracy is the foundation of our freedoms and the source of legitimacy for governments at every level. It must be protected, strengthened and defended, and that's exactly what we are doing," she said.
Toronto Sun
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
BELL: Smith has her elbows up, tells Carney don't screw over Alberta — or else
The PM will have to deal with Premier Danielle Smith or the Alberta independence threat Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Minister of Justice Mickey Amery announce proposed changes to several pieces of democratic process legislation at the Alberta Legislature on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 Shaughn Butts-Postmedia Photo by Shaughn Butts / Postmedia Smith vs. Carney. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Book your ringside seats. Tickets are going fast. If you're sitting in a comfy chair among the self-styled smart set in Toronto you no doubt believe it's all a lot of noise from sore losers. Hell, if you are a liberal deep-thinker in Calgary, an exile from the East who wants to be accepted by the self-styled smart set in Toronto and loathes the majority opinion in Alberta and couldn't find Red Deer on a map and wouldn't want to anyway, you write off the anger as the opinion of some backward neanderthals. But the anger is real no matter how much some folks want to wish it away and yours truly is not the only one writing about it. On this day, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith tells us most Albertans feel betrayed. In case you didn't know, betraying Alberta is kind of a Liberal thing. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. It is only in Alberta where someone in the press would actually ask the premier what she thinks about those in Alberta who voted for Carney and how she 'reconciles' it. Prime Minister Mark Carney, leader of the Liberals who won two seats in Alberta. A squeaker win in one inner-city Calgary seat and another close-call win in an Edmonton inner-city riding. The Edmonton mayor ran for the Liberals and lost. The sole Liberal member of parliament from Calgary ran for re-election and was defeated. Do you want me to list the percentage of the vote received by Conservative candidates in Alberta? Just a sample. 78.8 per cent. 81.8 per cent. 76.3 per cent. 81.2 per cent. 81.3 per cent. 80.1 per cent. You want more. 69.1 per cent. 71.6 per cent. 76.4 per cent. 65.1 per cent. 60.8 per cent. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Yes, the great Liberal breakthrough the experts were salivating over. The one that didn't happen and Smith is asked about it. The day after the election Canadians say we need unity. No more division. Canadians together. Carney says he will govern for all Canadians. Terrific. So stop screwing around Alberta as the Liberals under He Who Will Not Be Named did under the feel-good banner of Sunny Ways. Read More Smith and her people know the mood out there. UCP members of the legislature will have a special closed-door chinwag Friday to discuss where Alberta goes from here. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. There will be much talk of Alberta's beefs with another term of Liberal government staring everyone in the face. A minority Liberal government with the Three Stooges coalition — the Bloc Quebecois, the NDP and a single Green MP willing to play in Carney's sandbox. On Tuesday, the premier says the status quo will not be allowed to continue. She says the Alberta government will not tolerate seeing the province's industries threatened and resources landlocked. Carney could commit to pipelines, something he did not commit to when asked by this scribbler in Calgary. He could commit to scrapping anti-oil and gas laws. He could promise to punt the so-called clean electricity regulations, toss the cap on oil and gas emissions and stop saying one thing in one part of the country and one thing in another. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Of course, he could play Prime Minister Smarty Pants and sound like he's all for bringing Alberta on board without actually doing much of anything. Premier Danielle Smith announced proposed changes to several pieces of democratic process legislation at the Alberta Legislature on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Shaughn Butts/Postmedia Smith ups the ante. The premier says Albertans are looking for a path forward and different options to protect Alberta from hostile acts coming out of Liberal Ottawa. The premier states what needs to be said to Canadians elsewhere. Albertans have been treated like our interests didn't matter and we should just shut up and be satisfied with what Ottawa decides, a federal government in Ottawa again firmly rejected by most in the province — again. The Liberals and NDP have 'demeaned and demonized Albertans, our values and our industries for political gain.' Smith will tell you she believes in Alberta sovereignty within a united Canada. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. What's that trumpet sound? It's the elephant in the room. The national unity crisis. The number of Albertans willing to at least contemplate a way out of Canada. Smith says she lives in hope but the premier must know many Albertans are losing hope. Hope is on a much shorter leash and Carney better realize it. He says he is for unity so start uniting. Meanwhile, Smith said Tuesday the province will make it easier to put a question on a ballot to be voted on by Albertans. A question on leaving Canada, for example. If this unrest was bubbling up in Quebec, the good people in the rest of Canada would be wringing their hands over the discontent. Here, we get hate mail from Ontario. It's your move, Prime Minister Carney. You are supposed to be the master negotiator, after all. rbell@
