Alberta Sovereignty within a United Canada Act
An Alberta law, in force since December 15, 2022, that lets the province push back against federal laws it considers unconstitutional or harmful to Albertans. It does not apply in British Columbia, so here it works as a yardstick for how people treat local and provincial self-government.
What the Act does
- Purpose — to defend Alberta's jurisdiction (natural resources, health, education, firearms and more) against federal measures the province says breach the Constitution or Albertans' Charter rights.
- How — the Legislature can pass a motion declaring a federal law or program harmful; cabinet can then direct provincial bodies not to enforce or co-operate with it.
- Critics — Treaty 6 and other First Nations say it ignores the nation-to-nation relationship and treaty rights and was passed without consultation. Onion Lake Cree Nation has filed a lawsuit. Legal experts have also questioned the cabinet powers it grants.
- Supporters — say it protects provincial powers and Albertans' rights from federal overreach, and is a peaceful, lawful response within Canada.
Read the Government of Alberta page, CBC coverage and the APTN report on the Onion Lake lawsuit.
How we score the Act
Because the Act is Alberta law, a Kelowna candidate cannot vote on it. The score asks two questions: does the person defend local or provincial decision-making against outside overreach (the Act's goal), and do they do it while respecting the Charter, treaty rights and consultation (its biggest criticism)? A 5 means a balanced or unknown position; higher means strong, rights-respecting local self-government; lower means either weak local voice or overreach at others' expense.
How to read these scores. They are an editorial first draft on a 0–10 scale, built only from public records and statements gathered on Oct 12, 2026. They are not legal advice, a poll or an endorsement. Where we found no public record, we say "not yet rated" instead of guessing. Check each candidate's own materials before you vote.
| Who | Charter score | Alberta Act score | Confidence | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada (country) | 6/10 | 5/10 | Medium | Rights are written into the Constitution and courts enforce them, but the 2022 Emergencies Act response was ruled a Charter breach (lowered from 8). Sections 1 and 33 allow limits and overrides. The Act is a provincial tool, so it sits in tension with national rules rather than against them. |
| Tom Dyas (Mayor) | 6/10 | 5/10 | Low | Backs more policing and treatment capacity, including secure and mandatory care, which raises liberty and security questions under section 7. Asked the Province for a Kelowna-specific rule and got it. No stated position on the Act. |
| Ron Cannan (Mayor) | 6/10 | 5/10 | Low | Former MP who swore to uphold the Constitution; voting record is mostly budgets and housing. A 2024 opinion column on faith and social issues drew a council rebuke, which touches expression and equality questions. No stated position on the Act. |
| Andrew Uitvlugt (Mayor) | Not yet rated | — | We could not find a published platform. | |
| Council candidates (37) | Not yet rated | — | No public record on either yet. We will add scores as platforms and records are published. | |
Both mayoral candidates score 5 because nothing in their public record separates them on this question. A published position on the Act or on Indigenous consultation would change that.
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