The use of the Emergencies Act by the Federal Government earlier this year will be the subject of a public inquiry in which Alberta will take part.

Alberta has been given full standing to participate in the open examination of how the Federal Government used the Emergencies Act by the Public Order Emergency Commission. As a result, the province is able to take part in the inquiry process, public hearings, and a review of the events that led to its invocation.

Alberta will also contribute to the creation of policy recommendations that will help ensure that any future application of the Emergencies Act does not contravene provincial law or unjustly violate the rights of individuals.

“The Federal Government’s invocation of the Emergencies Act was an unnecessary and disproportionate measure that intruded on provincial jurisdiction, violated civil liberties and created chaos and uncertainty across the country. I am pleased that Alberta will be heard when this dangerous decision is examined by a public inquiry,” says Premier Jason Kenney.

The Public Order Emergency Commission was established by the Canadian government as mandated by the Emergencies Act to carry out a public inquiry into the events leading up to the emergency declaration from February 14–23 and the actions done to address it.

According to Tyler Shandro, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General, “the Federal Government set a very dangerous precedent by unnecessarily invoking the Emergencies Act and implementing additional measures under it. They not only ignored our provincial jurisdiction under Canada’s Constitution, but they also violated the constitutionally guaranteed rights of all Canadians. It is critical we hold the federal government accountable. Alberta’s government will do everything we can to protect Albertans’ freedoms and liberties from this kind of unjustified federal overreach.”

In order to engage in the constitutional and non-constitutional concerns addressed in legal challenges against the federal government, Alberta will also make an appearance before the Federal Court.

Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com