Alberta’s UCP used their majority to successfully block an attempt by the NDP to force debate in the Legislature on motion calling on MLAs to denounce the independence movement in Alberta..In an unprecedented step, the government effectively shut down “private members business” by moving the motion to the bottom of the order paper, meaning no debate or vote will likely ever been had on it. Political watchers say the move is highly unusual..Monday afternoons are the only time set aside for private members business in Alberta, and are generally respected as bring outside of the government’s control by convention..NDP Leader Rachel Notley tweeted: “Jason Kenney and the UCP refuse to take a stand for a united Canada in the legislature. What an embarrassment for this Government as it continues to fan the flames of separatism.”.The motion said it is in Alberta’s best interest to stay within Canada..During question period, Premier Jason Kenney said that the motion was insulting to Albertans who are backing independence, and that the motion was the wrong way of creating unity..The motion’s author Rod Loyola, NDP MLA for Edmonton-Ellerslie, questioned Kenney over the motion during question period trying to get him to commit his caucus to denounce Alberta soveriegnty..Loyola said independence talk was hurting Alberta’s economy during the coronavirus pandemic..But Kenny lashed back saying it does no good to call independence-seekers “deplorables” and called the motion the “cynicism of Alberta NDP politics..“It’s all about political, divisive theatre,” Kenney said..And Kenney said he will be introducing a motion saying Alberta would “celebrate the strength of unity as we fight for a better deal.”.The Tory’s allowed only a single speaker in the legislature to their alternative motion, before adjourning debate without a vote.. POLL: Many Albertans say they will ignore Christmas COVID lockdown .The NDP motion read: “Be it resolved that the Legislative Assembly affirm that it is unquestionably in Alberta’s interest to remain part of the Canadian federation and unequivocally denounce calls for Alberta to become a state that is independent of a strong and united Canada.”.While Kenney has repeatedly said he’s a Canadian patriot, others, including some within his own UCP caucus, say independence needs to be on the table if there is any chance of getting a fair deal from Ottawa..UCP MLA for Cardston-Siksika Joesph Schow said that he was against the motion, as “it upends the true nature of the relationship MLAs have with their constituents.”.He said the wording of the program was “unfair” to his voters..“Calls for greater independence are real in this province,” he said, calling the motion “disrespectful” to those who seek changes in Confederation..Schow called for the motion to be moved to the bottom of the order paper which was approved..Drew Barnes, UCP MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat who wrote a dissenting Fair Deal panel report saying independence needs to be on the table, said the NDP motion came as no surprise..“The NDP has been unwilling to stand up for Alberta families – this is no surprise at all,” Barnes said in an interview with theWestern Standard..“It’s clear the actions of the feds and Ottawa have limited opportunity and hope in Alberta. We need opportunities to work hard..“Ottawa and the Laurentian elite have to realize there has to be consequences. I look forward to having a discussion about this with Albertans in the coming days.”.In June, Alberta’s Fair Deal panel is recommended numerous changes the province can make quickly in order to get a better deal in Confederation – but there was no talk of long-term Constitutional change nor any mention of independence..The report said Alberta should take immediate steps to create a provincial pension plan, set up its own police force and appoint a chief firearms officer..In terms of the controversial issue of Fiscal Stabilization, the Fair Deal panel said Alberta should “press strenuously for the removal of the current constraints on the Fiscal Stabilization Program, which prevent Albertans from receiving a $2.4 billion equalization rebate.”.Other suggestions on what Alberta should do immediately is to secure a seat at the table when the federal government negotiates and implements international agreements and treaties affecting Alberta’s interests, opt out of new federal cost-shared programs, subject to Alberta receiving full compensation and continue to diversify Alberta’s economy in the energy sector and beyond..Barnes wrote his own report to Kenney urging a much stronger stance against Ottawa for the province to get a fairer deal in Confederation, adding that the issue of Alberta independence needs to be on the table..…This story will be updated as the debate goes on.Dave Naylor is the News Editor of the Western Standard.dnaylor@westernstandardonline.com.TWITTER: Twitter.com/nobby7694
Alberta’s UCP used their majority to successfully block an attempt by the NDP to force debate in the Legislature on motion calling on MLAs to denounce the independence movement in Alberta..In an unprecedented step, the government effectively shut down “private members business” by moving the motion to the bottom of the order paper, meaning no debate or vote will likely ever been had on it. Political watchers say the move is highly unusual..Monday afternoons are the only time set aside for private members business in Alberta, and are generally respected as bring outside of the government’s control by convention..NDP Leader Rachel Notley tweeted: “Jason Kenney and the UCP refuse to take a stand for a united Canada in the legislature. What an embarrassment for this Government as it continues to fan the flames of separatism.”.The motion said it is in Alberta’s best interest to stay within Canada..During question period, Premier Jason Kenney said that the motion was insulting to Albertans who are backing independence, and that the motion was the wrong way of creating unity..The motion’s author Rod Loyola, NDP MLA for Edmonton-Ellerslie, questioned Kenney over the motion during question period trying to get him to commit his caucus to denounce Alberta soveriegnty..Loyola said independence talk was hurting Alberta’s economy during the coronavirus pandemic..But Kenny lashed back saying it does no good to call independence-seekers “deplorables” and called the motion the “cynicism of Alberta NDP politics..“It’s all about political, divisive theatre,” Kenney said..And Kenney said he will be introducing a motion saying Alberta would “celebrate the strength of unity as we fight for a better deal.”.The Tory’s allowed only a single speaker in the legislature to their alternative motion, before adjourning debate without a vote.. POLL: Many Albertans say they will ignore Christmas COVID lockdown .The NDP motion read: “Be it resolved that the Legislative Assembly affirm that it is unquestionably in Alberta’s interest to remain part of the Canadian federation and unequivocally denounce calls for Alberta to become a state that is independent of a strong and united Canada.”.While Kenney has repeatedly said he’s a Canadian patriot, others, including some within his own UCP caucus, say independence needs to be on the table if there is any chance of getting a fair deal from Ottawa..UCP MLA for Cardston-Siksika Joesph Schow said that he was against the motion, as “it upends the true nature of the relationship MLAs have with their constituents.”.He said the wording of the program was “unfair” to his voters..“Calls for greater independence are real in this province,” he said, calling the motion “disrespectful” to those who seek changes in Confederation..Schow called for the motion to be moved to the bottom of the order paper which was approved..Drew Barnes, UCP MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat who wrote a dissenting Fair Deal panel report saying independence needs to be on the table, said the NDP motion came as no surprise..“The NDP has been unwilling to stand up for Alberta families – this is no surprise at all,” Barnes said in an interview with theWestern Standard..“It’s clear the actions of the feds and Ottawa have limited opportunity and hope in Alberta. We need opportunities to work hard..“Ottawa and the Laurentian elite have to realize there has to be consequences. I look forward to having a discussion about this with Albertans in the coming days.”.In June, Alberta’s Fair Deal panel is recommended numerous changes the province can make quickly in order to get a better deal in Confederation – but there was no talk of long-term Constitutional change nor any mention of independence..The report said Alberta should take immediate steps to create a provincial pension plan, set up its own police force and appoint a chief firearms officer..In terms of the controversial issue of Fiscal Stabilization, the Fair Deal panel said Alberta should “press strenuously for the removal of the current constraints on the Fiscal Stabilization Program, which prevent Albertans from receiving a $2.4 billion equalization rebate.”.Other suggestions on what Alberta should do immediately is to secure a seat at the table when the federal government negotiates and implements international agreements and treaties affecting Alberta’s interests, opt out of new federal cost-shared programs, subject to Alberta receiving full compensation and continue to diversify Alberta’s economy in the energy sector and beyond..Barnes wrote his own report to Kenney urging a much stronger stance against Ottawa for the province to get a fairer deal in Confederation, adding that the issue of Alberta independence needs to be on the table..…This story will be updated as the debate goes on.Dave Naylor is the News Editor of the Western Standard.dnaylor@westernstandardonline.com.TWITTER: Twitter.com/nobby7694