Minister of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development Brian Jean says Bill 1 is constitutional, and fully addresses his concerns raised in the past..“I’m tired of watching the federal government undermine our economic opportunities, and I know a lot of Albertans feel the same," Jean told the Western Standard in a email.."As a government, we are accountable to Albertans first. The Alberta Sovereignty within a United Canada Act (ASA) will give us the chance to stand up to Ottawa and defend the interests of Albertans.".Jean admitted all of his caucus and cabinet colleagues have been actively involved in preparing this legislation, and he is pleased with the results of their hard work..“I think it’s a great bill," Jean told reporters on Thursday..Deputy Premier Kaycee Madu also told reporters Thursday Alberta's government will consider amendments to the ASA. It is unclear what those amendments are. The other deputy premier, Nathan Neudorf, told reporters during a scrum on Wednesday he hadn’t actually read it..On Tuesday, Alberta’s government introduced proposed legislation to fight federal laws or policies that negatively affect Alberta’s interests..READ MORE: Smith introduces bill to defend Albertans from Ottawa overreach.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 heath, education and other social programs..“Albertans are proud Canadians, and we love our nation dearly," Premier Danielle Smith said..During the UCP leadership race, Jean sang a different tune about the ASA, but has since changed his mind by voting to support the bill..READ MORE: Former UCP leadership contenders explain why they now support Bill 1."This bill is constitutional, and fully addresses the concerns I raised in the past," Jean said.."I have full confidence that the final act will bring more democracy to Albertans, and it will improve on the process that Alberta has used to deal with jurisdictional disputes with Ottawa.".Jean explained how ASA will move these decisions into the legislature, putting more control into the hands of Albertans and their elected representatives.."Soon, Albertans will get to see this process in action, as we vote to protect our province from the Liberal/NDP alliance and their relentless attacks on the rights and freedoms of Albertans," Jean said..Alberta’s NDP is demanding "the job-killing Danielle Smith Sovereignty Act" be revoked as Calgary’s business community has gone public with concerns it will scare away investors and workers..“The Sovereignty Act is bad for our economy,” NDP Finance Critic Shannon Phillips said..“It undermines the rule of law, and when you do that, businesses will choose to put their money elsewhere. This legislation will destroy jobs and investor confidence. But you don’t have to take my word for it, the business community is coming out strongly against the chaotic and destructive Sovereignty Act.”
