UCP ministers who were formally against the Alberta Sovereignty Act (ASA) have explained why they now voted to support Bill 1.."Mr. Speaker, I did have legitimate concerns over some early renditions of the sovereignty act. Certainly, it's a concern of mine, that we maintain a business environment of certainty and predictability one that attracts investment," Minister of Finance Travis Towes said during the question period on Wednesday.."Mr. Speaker, this bill has to respect the rule of law, be constitutional, and be implemented in a way that keeps a stable business environment and it will Mr. Speaker.".READ MORE: Smith introduces bill to defend Albertans from Ottawa overreach.But Toews sang a different tune in the UCP leadership race..“It has the potential to create economic chaos in the province of Alberta,” Toews said during the UCP leadership race..He has since changed his mind, voting on Tuesday to support Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's Bill 1.."It won't unwind investment attraction," Toews told reporters on Wednesday during a scrum..On Tuesday, Alberta’s government introduced proposed legislation to fight federal laws or policies that negatively affect Alberta’s interests..If passed, the government will use the Alberta Sovereignty within a United Canada Act to stand up to federal government overreach and interference in areas of provincial jurisdiction, including in the areas of private property, natural resources, agriculture, firearms, regulation of the economy and delivery of health, education and other social programs..Minister of Jobs, Economy, and Northern Development Brian Jean also changed his mind on the ASA.."First of all, it's constitutional," Jean told reporters during a scum before the question period.."The premier consulted with caucus, consulted with cabinet, and continues to consult with Albertans to get it right. And we're going to get right, it's about standing up for Albertans.".Before the question period began, Minister of Trade, Immigration and Multiculturalism Rajan Sawhney also explained why she has changed her mind and now supports the bill.."Yes, it's absolutely true I was very critical of the ASA," Sawhney said.."But to the premier's credit, she incorporated some of the feedback and advice that I gave her as well as other members of the Caucus. But that has been incorporated into the act.".When Bill 1 received its first reading, the NDP refused to allow unanimous consent. For most bills, they're given unanimous consent for the first reading. However, some said no to Bill 1. A division was called and a recorded vote was held. It passed 55-22..The act will not compel any private citizen or business to violate federal law, nor does this legislation involve anything related to separation from Canada.
UCP ministers who were formally against the Alberta Sovereignty Act (ASA) have explained why they now voted to support Bill 1.."Mr. Speaker, I did have legitimate concerns over some early renditions of the sovereignty act. Certainly, it's a concern of mine, that we maintain a business environment of certainty and predictability one that attracts investment," Minister of Finance Travis Towes said during the question period on Wednesday.."Mr. Speaker, this bill has to respect the rule of law, be constitutional, and be implemented in a way that keeps a stable business environment and it will Mr. Speaker.".READ MORE: Smith introduces bill to defend Albertans from Ottawa overreach.But Toews sang a different tune in the UCP leadership race..“It has the potential to create economic chaos in the province of Alberta,” Toews said during the UCP leadership race..He has since changed his mind, voting on Tuesday to support Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's Bill 1.."It won't unwind investment attraction," Toews told reporters on Wednesday during a scrum..On Tuesday, Alberta’s government introduced proposed legislation to fight federal laws or policies that negatively affect Alberta’s interests..If passed, the government will use the Alberta Sovereignty within a United Canada Act to stand up to federal government overreach and interference in areas of provincial jurisdiction, including in the areas of private property, natural resources, agriculture, firearms, regulation of the economy and delivery of health, education and other social programs..Minister of Jobs, Economy, and Northern Development Brian Jean also changed his mind on the ASA.."First of all, it's constitutional," Jean told reporters during a scum before the question period.."The premier consulted with caucus, consulted with cabinet, and continues to consult with Albertans to get it right. And we're going to get right, it's about standing up for Albertans.".Before the question period began, Minister of Trade, Immigration and Multiculturalism Rajan Sawhney also explained why she has changed her mind and now supports the bill.."Yes, it's absolutely true I was very critical of the ASA," Sawhney said.."But to the premier's credit, she incorporated some of the feedback and advice that I gave her as well as other members of the Caucus. But that has been incorporated into the act.".When Bill 1 received its first reading, the NDP refused to allow unanimous consent. For most bills, they're given unanimous consent for the first reading. However, some said no to Bill 1. A division was called and a recorded vote was held. It passed 55-22..The act will not compel any private citizen or business to violate federal law, nor does this legislation involve anything related to separation from Canada.
