Federal Liberal cabinet minister concerned with Alberta premier’s proposed sovereignty act

A federal Liberal cabinet minister from Alberta says he is concerned that Premier Danielle Smith is moving forward with her proposed sovereignty law.

Tourism Minister Randy Boissonnault, who is a Member of Parliament for Edmonton, posted a statement on social media responding to Smith’s televised address to Albertans.

Smith announced a $2.4 billion plan Tuesday night to help families, seniors and the vulnerable cope with inflation.

She also renewed a promise to challenge the federal government by introducing an Alberta sovereignty bill in the legislature next week to assert the province’s ability to override federal laws it deems unconstitutional.

Boissonnault says Albertans have told him they don’t want legal battles or constitutional squabbles.

He says they expect the provincial and federal governments to work together to deliver results that make their lives better.

“From day one, I have been committed to working with the provincial government to deliver real results for Albertans,” he said in the statement. “After Premier Smith was appointed, I sent the Premier a letter to make it clear that my door will always be open and that I want to work together to deliver for this province that we both call home.

“When you look at the record, it’s clear that when we work together, all Albertans win.”