14.86°C Vancouver

Jul 21, 2022 4:52 PM - THE CANADIAN PRESS

Jason Nixon doubts Smith's proposed sovereignty bill would pass

Share On

Alberta Government House Leader Jason Nixon says he doubts controversial legislation proposed a party leadership candidate would even pass in the legislature.

Nixon says the Alberta sovereignty act proposed by Danielle Smith would not only be illegal, it would be bad for business and politically catastrophic because it vastly overpromises what it can't deliver.

Smith is one of the front-runners in the race to replace Jason Kenney as party leader and premier in October.

She has promised that if she wins, she would bring in this fall a bill granting Alberta the power to refuse to enforce federal laws or court decisions it deems an intrusion on provincial rights or a threat to Alberta interests.

Nixon said Premier Jason Kenney’s government has fought — and will continue to fight — for a better deal with the federal government through such measures as building consensus and using court challenges.

Smith, responding in a statement, said “Minister Nixon is incorrect.” She added that the sovereignty act would only be invoked on a case-by-case basis and only after gaining support of members in the house in a free vote each time.

Latest news

charges-laid-in-vancouvers-crab-park-homicide
BCMay 30, 2025

Charges laid in Vancouver's Crab Park homicide

A Vancouver Police homicide investigation has led to the arrest of a suspect in the murder of a man in Crab Park in March. Brett MacDonald, 51, was shot on the north-west side of Crab Park along the gravel path just before 8:30 a.m. on March 22. He was found by a passerby who called police. Jason Hnatyshyn, 47, was arrested on April 10 in Red Deer, Alberta, by VPD homicide detectives. The BC Prosecution Service has approved one count of first-degree murder against Hnatyshyn. He remains in custody until his next court appearance.
stranger-arrested-charged-for-attack-on-teen-girl-in-public-bathroom
BCMay 30, 2025

Stranger arrested, charged for attack on teen girl in public bathroom

A suspect has been arrested by Vancouver Police and charged with the sexual assault of a teenaged girl in a public bathroom – part of an alleged crime spree that included a bank robbery and the assault of a second woman who escaped serious harm Wednesday afternoon. The series of violent incidents began around 5:15 p.m. on May 28, and occurred inside an office building at Cambie Street and West 41st Avenue, near Oakridge Centre. A 58-year-old woman was leaving a medical appointment when she was grabbed in the hallway and assaulted by a stranger. She screamed and managed to get away without se
pierre-poilievre-announces-vote-against-carney-governments-spending-bill
CanadaMay 30, 2025

Pierre Poilievre to vote against Carney government's spending bill

Canada's main opposition leader Pierre Poilievre has announced that he will vote against the Carney government's spending bill. This will be the first test for Prime Minister Mark Carney's minority government. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre said that his party will vote against the Liberals' $486.9-billion spending bill on government programs and transfers. Poilievre said that the additional spending the government has sought approval from Parliament is not for investment, so his party is not going to support it. It is worth noting that the Liberals have 169 seats in the House of Com
province-strengthens-response-to-combat-downtown-street-crime-disorder
BCMay 30, 2025

Province strengthens response to combat downtown street crime, disorder

The BC government is launching a new Community Safety and Targeted Enforcement program. It aims to increase police capacity to tackle street crimes that affect businesses and communities, such as robberies, shoplifting and property damage. The province is providing up to $5 million in funding for the initiative, which will help police increase their resources. The government says it has seen the Vancouver Police Department see its biggest two-year reduction in violent and property crime in Hastings Crossing in January 2025, thanks to a special investigation and targeted enforcement program.
alberta-government-extends-deadline-for-judges-investigation-into-contract-scandal
AlbertaMay 30, 2025

Alberta government extends deadline for judge's investigation into contract scandal

Alberta's government says it's extending the deadline for a former judge to investigate allegations of high-level conflict of interest and arm-twisting in health care contracts. Former Manitoba provincial court chief judge Raymond Wyant was expected to submit an interim report to the government today, followed by a full report next month. The government employee facilitating the investigation says the number of documents provided and interviews requested by the former judge means that initial time frame is no longer feasible. Deputy minister of jobs Chris McPherson says Wyant wil

Related News