Proposed sovereignty law could keep investments away from Alberta

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The Calgary Chamber of Commerce has warned that Alberta’s sovereignty within the United Canada Act, as filed by Prime Minister Daniel Smith on Tuesday, could force investment out of the province.

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Deborah Yedlin, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, said the bill, which would allow the Cabinet to issue directives to ignore federal initiatives if passed by Congress, would He said it would not help businesses attract investments or employees.

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“It remains to be seen how such an act will contribute to economic growth,” Yedlin said, noting that Alberta competes globally for labor and capital, resulting in a lack of competitiveness and uncertainty. Alberta could be seen as a province if there was even a hint of sexuality, he added. unfavorable jurisdictions to invest in;

Alberta’s sovereignty under United Canada Act was a cornerstone policy of Smith’s leadership campaign this summer. If Bill 1 is passed, the Ministers will submit a motion to the Alberta Legislature to discuss whether the federal initiative is unconstitutional or harmful to Alberta, and a resolution directing the Cabinet to take action against the initiative. can pass. Its actions could include issuing directives to public agencies to counter federal ideas.

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Government documents claim the bill will not harm Alberta’s economy.The prime minister’s office did not respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.

Smith said Tuesday that the bill is intended to inform Ottawa of provincial jurisdiction and ensure that it is an equal partner within Canada’s constitution.

Yedlin said the law does not allow constructive dialogue with the federal government and all levels of government must work together to make Alberta an attractive place to invest and work. He argued that states must compete with jurisdictions in every corner of the world.

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“This could create problems within Canada with other provinces and with Ottawa. That’s not what we need right now,” Yedlin said. “We’ve worked with Ottawa in the past, probably not to Prime Minister Smith’s satisfaction, but I insist you know. Let’s call back.”

Yedlin said Quebec lost a large amount of its investment when it worked on the split idea. She makes it clear that Smith’s bill isn’t about a separation, but said the mere idea of ​​uncertainty would make investors look elsewhere.

Lisa Baiton, president and CEO of the Canadian Petroleum Producers Association, said she is taking time to review the bill with her members. She said she is concerned about policies that could create uncertainty for investors.

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“It is critical that governments at all levels work with industry to bring investment back to Canada,” said Baiton.

Meanwhile, several groups that may fall under the law’s definition of a “public body” and may be subject to ministerial directives said they needed to read the bill further before providing comments. rice field.

A representative for the University of Calgary said the school is reviewing the bill and, if passed, will seek clarification on its application. said it is reviewing the bill and will work with states on how to apply it to post-secondary institutions.

Alberta local authorities declined to comment. At an unrelated press conference, Leduc Mayor Bob Young said he hadn’t had a chance to see the bill and how it would affect local government.

dshort@postmedia.com