Добавил публикация
- US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent publicly weighed in on Alberta’s separatist movement, claiming Canada has blocked pipeline access to the Pacific. In a television interview, Bessent described Albertans as independent and said there is talk of a possible referendum on leaving Canada, framing Alberta and the US as “natural partners” because of shared energy interests. Ottawa downplayed the remarks, saying Canada will focus on strengthening its own economy and sovereignty rather than reacting to foreign commentary. Alberta’s government responded by stressing that most residents do not want to join the United States and that the Province supports remaining within a united Canada while expanding pipeline access in all directions. Meanwhile, independence organizers said their goal is sovereignty outside both Canada and the US, even as interest in the movement grows online and among some American political circles.
- Alberta has introduced a new family law process aimed at resolving divorces, child support, and parenting disputes more quickly and with less conflict. The Family Focused Protocol, launched by the Court of King’s Bench earlier this month, assigns each family a single judge to manage the case from start to finish and targets having trials scheduled within 18 months if matters are not settled. The system aims to reduce paperwork, limit repeated court applications, and allow multiple interim issues to be addressed together in a single, longer hearing. Supporters say this “conveyor belt” approach keeps cases moving and could lower legal costs while reducing emotional harm to families and children. The protocol also emphasizes early resolution and alternative dispute options to avoid unnecessary courtroom battles. About 30 justices will focus heavily on the new system, though court officials acknowledge there will be an adjustment period as lawyers and judges adapt.
- Farmers across Alberta are pushing back against proposed federal animal traceability rules, warning the changes would place heavy costs and administrative burdens on small producers. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency had planned to require faster and more detailed reporting of livestock movements through an online system, but paused the rollout after widespread industry opposition. Producers say the shortened reporting timelines, mandatory premises IDs, and added technology costs would be difficult to manage, particularly for older farmers or smaller operations. Many worry the rules could drive small farms out of business, weaken rural communities, and raise food prices for consumers. While the federal agency argues the changes would improve disease control and market access, Alberta’s agriculture minister and industry groups say the system must reflect real-world farming conditions. A petition opposing the rules has quickly gained thousands of signatures.
- Alberta has refused to participate in Ottawa’s national firearm buyback program. While the federal program is voluntary, owning the banned guns remains illegal, and owners must submit a declaration by March 31st to be eligible for possible compensation. Because Alberta will not enforce or support the program, local police and RCMP will not collect firearms through the buyback, leaving Ottawa responsible for arranging its own seizure agents or mobile collection units. Federal officials warn that compensation may not be possible unless provinces like Alberta allow the program to operate locally. Some gun owners and businesses are skeptical, citing past delays and payment disputes with earlier buyback efforts.
- Recall campaigns targeting Alberta MLAs have faced significant challenges collecting the thousands of signatures required to trigger a recall election. The high-profile campaign against Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides fell far short of the required threshold, ultimately failing. Organizers say the goal is increasingly symbolic - demonstrating voter dissatisfaction rather than successfully ousting MLAs. In Calgary-North, the campaign against MLA Muhammad Yaseen has struggled to gain traction, collecting only a fraction of the needed signatures despite close margins in past elections. Efforts to canvass indoors have been limited, with many businesses unwilling to host petitioners.