Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s government says it intends to introduce legislation that would allow the province to disregard international agreements signed by the federal government if they fall under areas of provincial jurisdiction.
The proposal was outlined in Smith’s latest mandate letter to the intergovernmental relations ministry, which she oversees. Her office said the goal is to protect “Alberta’s authority” and ensure due process when Ottawa negotiates agreements that touch on provincial responsibilities.
Press secretary Sam Blackett said Alberta wants to make clear that such agreements would only be binding if passed into law under provincial legislation. He cited the World Health Organization’s Pandemic Agreement, ratified earlier this year, as an example given its potential impact on health care.
The plan mirrors a long-standing legislative framework in Quebec, according to the government.
However, constitutional experts note the law may not change much. University of Alberta law professor Eric Adams said Canada’s Constitution already divides powers between Ottawa and the provinces. While the federal government can sign treaties, provinces can choose whether to legislate them when they involve provincial matters.
“It’s not clear what provincial legislation would add to existing rules,” Adams said, noting health and the environment are examples of overlapping jurisdictions that often create complications.
Opposition NDP justice critic Irfan Sabir dismissed the proposal as “ridiculous political theatre,” accusing Smith of picking fights with Ottawa for partisan reasons.
The government has not said when the bill will be introduced, though the Alberta legislature is set to resume sitting next month.
