In a press conference held today, Premier Smith of Alberta, accompanied by Minister of Justice Mickey Amery and Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, Rebecca Schulz, addressed recent developments in the ongoing dispute over Ottawa’s attempt to ban plastics. The Premier expressed concerns over what he perceives as an overreach by the federal government and emphasized the constitutional implications of such actions.
The Premier began by revisiting Ottawa’s declaration in April 2021, categorizing plastic manufactured items as toxic under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. He criticized the unilateral decision, labeling it as ignoring both reality and the law. However, last month, the Federal Court of Canada deemed the government’s actions unreasonable and unconstitutional, citing potential threats to federalism in Canada.
Premier Smith underscored the court’s recognition that allowing such overreach could disrupt the balance of federalism, emphasizing that provinces are not subordinate but partners in Confederation. The speech drew parallels with the recent Supreme Court decision on the Impact Assessment Act, highlighting a consistent pattern of federal policy changes infringing on provincial jurisdictions.
The Premier warned of the economic fallout if Ottawa’s approach prevails, emphasizing potential damage to Alberta’s petrochemical industry, loss of investments, and significant job cuts. He criticized the federal government’s appeal of the court’s decision, signaling Alberta’s determination to resist what they view as unreasonable and unconstitutional orders.
Premier Smith urged Ottawa to heed objections from the courts, the constitution, and the provinces, emphasizing the need for collaboration with provinces and industries rather than pursuing what he deemed unconstitutional laws and regulations.
Minister of Justice Mickey Amery detailed Alberta’s intervention in the federal government’s appeal, emphasizing the province’s position that the federal government exceeded its constitutional jurisdiction. He highlighted the broad scope of the category of plastic manufactured items and its potential impact on various industries.
Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, Rebecca Schulz, asserted that the federal government’s plastics regulation was unconstitutional and unreasonable. She criticized the federal designation of plastics as toxic, characterizing it as virtue-signaling rather than a genuine effort to address environmental issues. Minister Schulz outlined Alberta’s commitment to real solutions, such as a new system to reuse plastics and reduce landfill waste.
Minister Amery addressed questions about the legal strategy, stating that Alberta is commencing the appeal process and considering options, including further legal action to remove plastic manufactured items from the current schedule. He expressed disappointment with Ottawa’s refusal to cooperate and emphasized Alberta’s commitment to defending its economy and constitutional jurisdiction.
The news conference highlighted Alberta’s unwavering stance against what it perceives as federal overreach, emphasizing the need for collaboration, adherence to the constitution, and a focus on practical environmental solutions. The legal battle over the plastics ban is set to unfold, with Alberta prepared to fight every step of the way to defend its interests and constitutional jurisdiction.