Alberta Minute: Border Security, Court Challenge, and a Sovereignty Act Motion

Alberta Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Alberta politics.

This Week In Alberta:

• Premier Danielle Smith is exploring options for increasing border security with Montana to address concerns about illegal migration and drug trafficking, especially in light of potential tariffs threatened by US President-elect Donald Trump. The Province is considering border patrol options such as deploying specialized sheriff units and drones. Smith emphasized that while the border itself is federal jurisdiction, Alberta has responsibility for policing land near the border and will collaborate with federal agencies and Montana authorities. Alberta's Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis is also in discussions with Montana to develop joint border measures.
  
  
• Alberta is challenging the federal government in court over the amended Impact Assessment Act, citing constitutional concerns. Premier Danielle Smith announced plans to seek a ruling from the Alberta Court of Appeal, arguing that the law oversteps federal authority and infringes on provincial jurisdiction. The Act, which evaluates major resource projects based on environmental, economic, and social criteria, was recently revised following a Supreme Court decision. Despite the amendments, Smith claims the changes fail to address constitutional issues and hinder investment in Alberta's resource sector.
  
  
• The Alberta government is withdrawing $1 million in annual funding for the Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board (EMRB) starting in 2025, making membership voluntary instead of mandatory. The EMRB expressed shock at the sudden decision, noting the board's role in regional collaboration on economic development, land use, and infrastructure planning. This comes after an announcement that the Calgary Metropolitan Region Board (CMRB) would also lose funding and have its membership made voluntary. Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver defended the decision, emphasizing the boards were always intended to become self-funding. This is a big win for us - we’ve been advocating for this move for several years!

Last Week In Alberta:

• Premier Danielle Smith announced plans to challenge the federal government's proposed emissions cap using the Alberta Sovereignty within a United Canada Act. The provincial government intends to assert authority over emissions data, restrict federal access to oil and gas facilities, and potentially bypass enforcement of the cap. Smith said that the cap is unconstitutional and would harm Alberta's economy, reducing oil production and royalty revenues.
  
  
• In an interview, Dan Williams, Alberta's Minister of Addiction and Mental Health, discussed the Province’s $23 million investment in a youth addiction recovery center. He explained that the facility, converted from a corrections space, will offer 105 new treatment spaces and support approximately 300 families each year. Addressing concerns about stigma, Williams emphasized the importance of swift action to save lives, particularly for youth under 18, and defended the investment as critical for recovery-focused care. He highlighted Alberta’s success in reducing overdose deaths, citing year-over-year declines of over 40% in recent months. Williams contrasted Alberta’s recovery-oriented approach with harm-reduction models in other provinces, stressing its measurable results and partnerships with Indigenous communities.
  
  
• The recent death of an MMA fighter during an amateur charity bout has reignited calls for Alberta to strengthen its regulations on combative sports. Critics argue that Alberta’s current system, allowing municipalities to sanction events, is inconsistent and lacks adequate oversight, leaving fighters at risk. Legal experts and trainers have highlighted gaps in safety protocols, such as insufficient training requirements and a lack of mandatory protective gear for novice fighters. A recent fatality inquiry into the 2017 death of a boxer also called for Alberta to establish a single regulatory body. The provincial government has pledged to review the cases and the inquiry findings.

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