CALGARY, AB: The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms calls on the Alberta and federal governments to protect Canadians’ constitutional rights as they respond to Alberta’s October 19 referendum.
The Justice Centre took no position for or against Alberta independence. Our focus remains on defending individual freedoms and ensuring that both federal and provincial governments respect the constitutional limits on their authority.
“The question is not simply whether Ottawa or Edmonton holds a particular power,” said John Carpay, President of the Justice Centre. “What matters is whether governments respect the rights of the people they serve.”
Beyond the question of Alberta independence, the referendum’s additional questions raise practical issues for Canadians seeking work, casting a ballot, or challenging government decisions. Any policy giving Albertans priority for jobs must respect Canadian citizens’ and permanent residents’ constitutional rights to move between provinces and earn a living.
Any new proof-of-citizenship requirement must protect eligible Canadians’ right to vote. People should have practical ways to establish their citizenship, rather than being turned away simply because they do not have a passport or birth certificate.
Changes to judicial appointments must preserve independent, impartial courts that can hold governments accountable. Canadians need judges who decide cases on the law, not political pressure.
Proposed restrictions on access to health care, education, and social support must also be assessed against applicable constitutional protections before implementation. Provincial responsibility for these services does not remove that obligation.
The Justice Centre calls on governments to explain how each proposed measure would respect individual rights. Any constitutional changes must follow the required amendment process.
The Justice Centre is Canada’s leading civil liberties organization defending Charter rights and freedoms in the courts of law and in the court of public opinion. Founded in 2010, the Justice Centre funds lawyers across Canada, relies entirely on voluntary donations to carry out its mission, and issues official tax receipts to donors.