Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Tyler Shandro says Alberta will demonstrate the Coutts border blockade was effectively dealt with prior to the federal government’s decision to invoke the Emergencies Act..On Wednesday, Shandro released a statement to the media confirming Alberta will participate in all aspects of the federal Emergencies Act inquiry.."A legally mandated inquiry into the federal government’s decision to invoke the Emergencies Act will begin on October 13," Shandro said..“Alberta is one of two provinces to apply for and be granted full standing to actively participate in all aspects of the inquiry.".The judicial inquiry into the federal government's use of emergency powers against the Freedom Convoy will cost nearly $19 million, according to the Privy Council Office. Eighteen lawyers are on staff at the Public Order Emergency Commission..READ MORE: Inquiry into Emergencies Act to cost $19 million.“The Commission has requested up to $18.8 million in funding,” the Privy Council Office wrote in a submission to the Commons government operations committee..During the Freedom Convoy, protesters at the Coutts border positioned trucks to block both north and southbound lanes..READ MORE: Truckers at Coutts border say blockade now under siege.“Alberta will demonstrate the Coutts border blockade was effectively dealt with prior to the federal government’s decision to invoke the Emergencies Act," Shandro said..“The decision to invoke the act violated the constitutionally guaranteed rights of Albertans and gave the federal government the ability to seize property without due process of law.".According to Shandro, in addition to participating in the inquiry, Alberta also filed notice to intervene in legal challenges initiated against the federal government by the Canadian Constitution Foundation and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association earlier this year..“Alberta already had the legislative tools necessary to deal with blockades. The unnecessary invocation of the Emergencies Act has set a dangerous precedent and it is incumbent upon Alberta to challenge the violation of the rights of Albertans and all Canadians," Shandro said.
