Kenney says won't stay quiet as possible successor pitches separation plan

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney says he won't sit idly by while what he calls a ``half-baked,'' ``banana republic'' plan is hatched for more provincial independence.

Kenney was commenting on a promise made by Danielle Smith, who is running to replace him as premier in the United Conservative Party leadership race.

Smith says if she wins the race in October, she will introduce a bill to have Alberta ignore federal laws and court rulings deemed not to be in its best interests.

Kenney has joined with law professors to call that a profound attack on the fundamental rule of law.

Smith says Kenney is breaking a promise to not interfere in the leadership race.

Kenney says he is simply reiterating his government's policy.