We Are In A Constitutional Crisis
We Are In A Constitutional CrisisLots of people are arguing that if the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) rules to restrict the Notwithstanding Clause (S33) or the Governor General dusts…
Alberta
Governments Seizing Powers They Have No Right To
In Alberta recently the UCP government has written a number of laws which undermine the role of the courts as a check on power. There are several strategies that are…
May I Introduce The Phrase "Ultra Vires"?
Alberta plans to invoke its "Sovereign Alberta" legislation as part of "fighting back" against federal firearms legislation that bans firearms that are commonly seen as "military-style". As the first application…
The UCP Is Not A Reasonable Party
So, Danielle Smith was booed at the UCP annual convention last night. Why? Because she signed a deal with Ottawa. Nobody should be surprised by this - least of all…
FO PM MOU
It really is a failure. Liberal partisans are praising the concession to Premier Smith and the oil industry as a clever chess move, but I see it as a cynical…
The Electrification of the Logistics System will change the use of Oil and other Fossil Fuels
If you have ever traveled the Quebec City-Windsor corridor, you are well aware that Highway 401 in Ontario and Autoroute 20 in Quebec play pivotal roles in Canada’s transportation network.…
Bill 9 and Smith’s Justification For Invoking S33
Over at the Government of Alberta website, we have the government's propaganda piece trying to justify using S33 to stomp all over the rights of transgender Albertans, their parents, and…
An Open Letter To Premier Smith
Dear Premier Smith, It wasn't that long ago that you were standing at the podium telling us that Bills 26, 27, and 29 were so well crafted that you were…
The “oil” sands—an artificial market
I believe in free markets—in their place. That place is when they best serve the... The post The “oil” sands—an artificial market first appeared on Views from the Beltline.
The Premier Who Would Be Queen
Danielle Smith wants to promote herself to monarch. She's discovered that she can magick your rights away at a whim with The Notwithstanding Clause (S33). Smith has in the last…
When Danielle Smith’s actions make the Trudeau’s blush
Way back in 2022, when COVID-19 was central to both federal and provincial policy debates and political discussions, Danielle Smith was clear: the Canadian Federal Government, headed by Trudeau, had…
Alberta teachers’ strike—it’s war!
On Tuesday the Alberta government introduced the Back to School Act to end a strike... The post Alberta teachers’ strike—it’s war! first appeared on Views from the Beltline.
Invite Alberta to leave?
The above question might seem odd for an Albertan, particularly one who loves his country.... The post Invite Alberta to leave? first appeared on Views from the Beltline.
Alberta Bill 2 and The Notwithstanding Clause
So, Alberta has used S33 as part of its “Back To Work” legislation for ending the teachers strike. There will be many pixels of virtual ink spilled over this. Much…
Parasitic Capitalism (Oilpatch Edition)
I have little love for the oil & gas industry in Alberta. Having grown up here, worked in and adjacent to the industry for years, I have become increasingly disillusioned,…
Why is there never enough?
Calgarians and Edmontonians have had enough. Growth, that is. Recent surveys indicate a majority of... The post Why is there never enough? first appeared on Views from the Beltline.
Our greed is showing
Pipeline madness has overtaken Alberta and threatens to infect the rest of the country. Despite... The post Our greed is showing first appeared on Views from the Beltline.
Of Parliamentary Sovereignty and Notwithstanding Clauses
Something that has been bugging me ever since various conservatives started yammering about (ab)using the Notwithstanding Clause (S33) in the Charter has been the phrase "Parliamentary Sovereignty". Neither The Constitution…
Of Structure, Hierarchy, and Balance of Power
In the submission of the Attorney General of Alberta (AGA) to the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) in English Montreal School Board, et al. v. Attorney General of Quebec, et…
Danielle lays down the law
Danielle Smith is famously jealous about provincial rights. She fights with the feds continually, going... The post Danielle lays down the law first appeared on Views from the Beltline.