'This could cause us problems': Alberta's sovereignty bill could scare off investment, says Calgary chamber
'We still don't see how an act like this contributes to economic growth,' said chamber President and CEO Deborah Yedlin
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The Alberta Sovereignty within a United Canada Act, tabled by Premier Danielle Smith on Tuesday, could drive investment out of the province, the Calgary Chamber of Commerce warns.
Chamber president and CEO Deborah Yedlin said the bill, which would allow cabinet to issue directives to disregard federal initiatives, would not help businesses attract investment or employees should it pass the legislature.
“We still don’t see how an act like this contributes to economic growth,” said Yedlin, adding that Alberta competes around the world for labour and capital, and that any hints of uncompetitiveness or uncertainty could cause the province to be seen as an unfavourable jurisdiction to invest in.
The act was the keystone policy of Smith’s leadership campaign this summer. If passed, Bill 1 would allow ministers to bring motions forward to the Alberta legislature to debate whether a federal initiative is unconstitutional or harmful to Alberta. If the initiative is deemed as such, the legislature could pass a resolution that would direct cabinet to take action, which could include issuing directives to public entities to not enforce the federal policy.
Government documents argue the bill would not do anything to harm Alberta’s economy. The premier’s office did not return requests for comment Wednesday.
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Speaking Tuesday, Smith said the bill is intended to put Ottawa on notice about provincial jurisdiction and ensure they are equal partners within Canada’s Constitution.
Yedlin argued the act does not allow for constructive conversations with the federal government and that all levels of government need to collaborate to make Alberta an attractive place to invest and to work, stating the province has to compete with jurisdictions from all corners of the globe.
“This could cause us problems within Canada with other provinces, as well as with Ottawa. That’s not what we need right now,” said Yedlin. “We have worked with Ottawa in the past, perhaps not to Premier Smith’s satisfaction, but I would argue that, you know, let’s dial back.”
Yedlin said Quebec lost investment when that province grappled with the idea of separation. She said that while Smith’s bill makes it clear it is not about separating, just the idea of uncertainty could cause investors to look elsewhere.
Lisa Baiton, president and CEO of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, said they are taking time to review the bill with their members. She said they are concerned about any policy that has the potential to create uncertainty for investors.
“It is important for governments at all levels to work together with the industry in order to attract investment back into Canada,” said Baiton.
Finance Minister Travis Toews was critical of the sovereignty act while he ran against Smith in the leadership contest. At the time, he argued the bill would bring “economic chaos” to Alberta.
On Wednesday, he acknowledged he had legitimate concerns during the summer but said he has since had full opportunity to participate in the development of the bill along with his caucus colleagues, and that it addresses his previous concerns.
“For me to support this bill it has to be constitutional, support the rule of law and not create business uncertainty. This bill, as proposed, addresses these concerns,” Toews said in a statement.
Meanwhile, several groups that could fall under the “public entity” definition of the act and could be subject to ministerial directives said they need to read the bill further before providing comment.
University of Calgary representatives said the school was reviewing the bill and will seek clarity on its application if passed. Mount Royal University representatives said they, too, are reviewing the bill and will work with the province on how it applies to post-secondary institutions.
The Rural Municipalities of Alberta declined to provide comment. While speaking at an unrelated news conference, Leduc Mayor Bob Young said they hadn’t had a chance to look at the bill and how it would affect municipalities.
Alberta Municipalities said they are reviewing the bill and that it appears to allow the cabinet to direct municipalities to not enforce federal laws. They said they may have more to say once their analysts have fully reviewed the legislation.
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