In the last few weeks, we’ve told you about Bill 10 in Alberta, a new law that expands government powers and limits accountability.
Today, we filed to intervene in a case challenging the constitutionality of Alberta’s Bill 10.
In the video below, I explain why this new law endangers our democratic rights.
Bill 10 allows cabinet ministers to unilaterally write new laws without any oversight from the Legislative Assembly or the public. The Albertan government says that these new sweeping and undemocratic powers are necessary to respond to the COVID-19 crisis. But the government already has broad powers thanks to the Alberta Public Health Act.
The pandemic shouldn’t be used as power grab.
Since Bill 10 was passed, government Ministers in Alberta have rushed to decree new laws, enacting more than 35 new orders and amending over 20 pieces of legislation. All of these changes happened without any debate or oversight in legislature.
This abuse of power cannot stand. We’re heading to court to fight this infringement of your constitutional rights.
The separation of powers and the protection of the legislature’s exclusive authority to make laws is vital for Canadian democracy. It ensures that power is not centralized in one party. It allows the legislative assembly to provide oversight and accountability. The legislative process of introducing, publishing, and debating bills protects rights by allowing elected representatives, the media, and the public to review bills before they become law. This way we are able to protect everyone’s rights, especially the most vulnerable.
Bill 10 unconstitutionally flies in the face of this democratic process.
We should remember that Canada has a shameful history of infringing human rights through emergency executive orders. The War Measures Act gave broad powers to the government. Executive orders made under that act during World War II led Canadian authorities to intern Japanese Canadians and other minorities. Those executive orders received no introduction or debate in the House of Commons and received no scrutiny by elected officials or the media. The BCCLA will always stand up for your democratic rights. We know these fights can be complicated; we know they can take a long time. But our rights are worth the fight.
We’re grateful to have you on our side as we stand up for what’s right. Thank you for your steadfast support.
Sincerely,
Grace Pastine (she/her/hers)
Litigation Director
PS – These fights are long. They require resources and creative tactics. Will you make a donation of $20 and join us in the fight for your democratic rights?
