The Alberta government says that despite recent changes, Ottawa’s Impact Assessment Act remains unconstitutional.
The federal government recently amended the act following its dismissal by the Supreme Court on constitutional grounds. Premier Smith, Justice Minister Mickey Amery, and Environment Minister Rebecca Shulz issued a joint statement yesterday asserting that the revised laws still infringe upon Alberta’s provincial rights.
“Alberta has completed its review of the federal government’s recently tabled amendments to the Impact Assessment Act. Even with these amendments, the act is still unconstitutional,” read the statement.
“Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault still has the ability to meddle in projects that are within provincial jurisdiction.”
In the statement, the trio expressed concerns that Ottawa could utilize the revised law to intervene in projects such as in-situ oil sands development, the construction of provincial highways, and power generation facilities.
“This is simply unacceptable and Alberta, when it comes to intra-provincial projects, will not recognize the Impact Assessment Act as valid law,” stated the province.
Premier Smith expressed readiness to return the matter to the Supreme Court if necessary.