A group of legal professionals in Alberta, including two former provincial justice ministers, have raised concerns about recent actions by the Alberta government that they believe are eroding democratic safeguards and the rule of law. Over 30 lawyers and articling students from the Camrose area have signed an open letter addressing these issues and calling on Albertans to protect democratic institutions.
Among the signatories is Verlyn Olson, a Camrose lawyer and former MLA for Wetaskiwin-Camrose, who also served as a justice minister in Alberta. Ken Rostad, another former justice minister, has also endorsed the letter. The letter highlights various government measures, such as changes to citizen-led petitions, frequent use of the notwithstanding clause, and legislation restricting the Law Society of Alberta’s ability to discipline a justice minister. It also criticizes the premier’s recent public remarks regarding the judiciary.
Olson expressed particular concern about Bill 14, which grants immunity from law society sanctions to Alberta’s justice minister, who also serves as the attorney general. He emphasized that such protection undermines accountability and raises serious issues. The legal professionals argue that these actions weaken the government’s framework and the safeguards intended to protect citizens’ rights.
In response, Justice Minister Mickey Amery defended the government’s initiatives, stating that they are aimed at enhancing democratic processes, fostering public trust, encouraging participation, and ensuring fairness in procedures to maintain the rule of law and public safety.
One of the signatories, Ian Smith, a lawyer from Camrose, pointed out that the use of the notwithstanding clause by the government was a significant concern for him. The clause, found in Section 33 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, allows governments to override certain rights for a limited period. Smith highlighted the potential dangers of setting a precedent that could threaten individuals’ rights in the future.
Sydney Palmer, a criminal defense lawyer from Camrose who also signed the letter, emphasized that the notwithstanding clause should only be utilized as a last resort. She stressed the importance of upholding rights and freedoms equally for all individuals, cautioning against the erosion of these fundamental principles when the notwithstanding clause is invoked.
Both Smith and Olson underscored that the issues raised in the letter transcend political affiliations. The concerns expressed by the legal professionals span various law firms and political ideologies, reflecting a shared commitment to upholding the rule of law, democratic structures, and checks and balances essential for a functioning democracy.