Alberta
NDP says covid restrictions should apply to all regions of Alberta equally
News Release from the Alberta NDP
KENNEY’S COVID RESTRICTIONS MUST APPLY TO ALL ALBERTANS AND BE EFFECTIVELY ENFORCED
Alberta’s NDP is calling for the Premier to apply COVID-19 public health orders consistently and bring in effective enforcement. The Official Opposition also continues to call for support for families of students forced to learn at home, struggling small businesses and workers forced to work sick without paid sick leave.
“I wanted to hear a clear commitment from the Premier that he would consistently and effectively enforce the law,” said NDP Leader Rachel Notley. “Instead, we have politically motivated exceptions and toothless enforcement.”
Notley noted that a majority of the areas exempt from public health orders are represented by UCP MLAs who have undermined public health orders.
Today, Solicitor General Kaycee Madu denied that his department told police to hold back on enforcement, despite his senior law enforcement official telling a legislature committee exactly that on April 6.
“He refused to come clean about enforcement. We heard yesterday from the Chief of Police in Calgary that their partners at the province told police not to issue many tickets,” said Notley. “Today we heard nothing from the Solicitor General that would dispel these directions.”
Jason Kenney also made no mention of any new support for small businesses. Personal and wellness services, health, social and professional services are due to close on Sunday, May 9, along with patio dining at restaurants and bars. All school grades are to move to online learning on Friday, May 7.
“As the Premier fails to do all that is necessary today to get COVID-19 under control, Albertans are left paying the price after enduring more than a year on Jason Kenney’s rollercoaster of confusing and contradictory restrictions,” Notley added. “They need support, but once again, Jason Kenney announced restrictions without any of the necessary support.”
“Families and businesses across Alberta are scrambling today to respond to the confusing array of public health measures announced last night,” Notley said. “Working parents are trying to figure out how to keep kids at home safely for two weeks or more. Small business owners are asking themselves if they can survive yet another closure of three weeks or more.”
Protecting Alberta’s jurisdiction
The International Agreements Act ensures Alberta’s jurisdiction is protected and decisions that shape our future are made right here at home.
This legislation draws a clear line: international agreements that touch on provincial areas of jurisdiction must be debated and passed into law in Alberta.
Alberta, not Ottawa, will decide how international agreements that affect provincial matters apply in the province.
“As we return to the legislature, our government is focused on delivering on the mandate Albertans gave us in 2023 to stand up for this province, protect our freedoms and chart our path forward. We will defend our constitutional rights, protect our province’s interests and make sure decisions that affect Albertans are made by Albertans. The federal government stands at a crossroads. Work with us, and we’ll get things done. Overstep, and Alberta will stand its ground.”
While the federal government has the power to enter into international agreements on behalf of Canada, it does not have the legal authority to impose its terms on provinces. The International Agreements Act reinforces that principle, ensuring Alberta is not bound by obligations negotiated in Ottawa that do not align with provincial priorities.
Bill 1 was introduced by Premier Danielle Smith following the fall 2025 speech from the throne as part of Alberta’s commitment to defend its sovereignty within a united Canada.
Key facts
- If passed, the International Agreements Act will replace the International Trade and Investment Agreements Act.
- The new legislation would expand its scope beyond trade and investment to include all areas of provincial jurisdiction.
- Currently, there is no formal agreement or requirement for the federal government to consult provinces when negotiating international treaties.
- Quebec’s Act respecting the exercise of the fundamental rights and prerogatives of the Québec people and the Québec State came into force in 2000.
- International agreements do not apply in Quebec unless approved by the national assembly or the provincial government.
- Quebec must give clear consent before any international agreement takes effect.
Related information
WATCH From Underdog to Top Broodmare (video)
Executive Producers Jeff Robillard (Horse Racing Alberta) and Mike Little (Shinelight Entertainment)
What began as an underdog story became a legacy of excellence. Crackers Hot Shot didn’t just race — she paved the way for future generations, and in doing so became one of the most influential producers the province has known.
The extraordinary journey of Crackers Hot Shot — once overlooked, now revered — stands as one of Alberta’s finest success stories in harness racing and breeding.
Born in humble circumstances and initially considered rough around the edges, Crackers Hot Shot overcame long odds to carve out a career that would forever impact the province’s racing industry. From a “wild, unhandled filly” to Alberta’s “Horse of the Year” in 2013, to producing foals who carry her spirit and fortitude into future generations.
Her influence ripples through Alberta’s racing and breeding landscape: from how young stock are prepared, to the aspirations of local breeders who now look to “the mare that did it” as proof that world-class talent can emerge from Alberta’s paddocks.
“Crackers Hot Shot, she had a tough start. She wasn’t much to look at when we first got her” — Rod Starkewski
“Crackers Hot Shot was left on her own – Carl Archibald heard us talking, he said ‘I’ll go get her – I live by there’. I think it took him 3 days to dig her out of the snow. She was completely wild – then we just started working on her. She really needed some humans to work with her – and get to know that people are not scary.” — Jackie Starkewski
“Crackers Hot Shot would be one of the top broodmares in Albeta percentage wise if nothing else. Her foals hit the track – they’re looking for the winners circle every time.” — Connie Kolthammer
Visit thehorses.com to learn more about Alberta’s Horse Racing industry.
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