EDMONTON: The Government of Alberta is preparing to introduce a motion against the federal government’s voluntary gun buyback program targeting legally owned firearms.
Premier Danielle Smith announced that her province would use the Provincial Sovereignty Act to resist the program through a legislative motion. Speaking at the United Conservative Party’s (UCP) Annual General Meeting, Smith stated that if the motion is passed by the Legislative Assembly, it would prohibit provincial entities, including municipalities and law enforcement agencies, from enforcing or prosecuting laws under the federal gun buyback program.
Smith further clarified that this action would help residents of Alberta defend themselves against trespassers. The primary objective of the move is to inform the federal government that it should not expect cooperation from provincial institutions in enforcing federal laws that the province disagrees with.
In addition to the gun buyback resistance, Smith reiterated at the UCP meeting that efforts to gain greater control over immigration would continue. She also announced that prosecutors would be required to publicly explain to families and the public the reasons for not laying charges in deaths that occur while in police custody. Furthermore, the party plans to introduce strict policy changes regarding Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID).
Terry Bryant, Alberta’s Chief Firearms Officer, commented that the federal government is effectively targeting law-abiding gun owners with its current legislation.
