Quebec intrigued by Alberta’s “autonomy alliance” offer

The Quebec government confirmed it’s seriously considering Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s offer to form a provincial “autonomy alliance” against federal government overreach.

Source: Facebook

The Quebec government confirmed it’s seriously considering Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s offer to form a provincial “autonomy alliance” against federal government overreach and is “really open” to meeting with her to further discuss the proposal.

According to Quebec’s minister responsible for Canadian relations, Simon Jolin-Barrette, the province is ready to meet with Premier Smith following her letter of support for their concerns.

Jolin-Barrette said the Legault government is particularly intrigued by Alberta’s decision to support Quebec in the upcoming Supreme Court challenge of its secularism law, Bill 21.

“They agree that, in the name of the autonomy of each province, we can use the notwithstanding clause,” he told reporters Wednesday. “And they agree with limits on the federal government’s power to spend.”

Smith penned a letter to Premier François Legault last month after she read Quebec’s Report of the Advisory Committee on Quebec’s Constitutional Issues within the Canadian Federation.

Published last year, the report lists 42 recommendations related to Quebec’s constitutional power and freedom, the province’s relation to the country, among other issues.

“Alberta and Quebec should work together more often to keep Ottawa in their lane and to protect the constitutionally-protected jurisdictions of our provinces,” said Smith.

In Smith’s letter, she highlighted 12 of the recommendations specifically and discussed how the two provinces could collaborate to accomplish them.

“It is evident that Alberta and Quebec have significant common interests with respect to countering overreach by the federal government into matters of exclusive provincial jurisdiction,” wrote Smith in the English version of her letter, which was also provided in French.

When asked if Smith would be invited to Quebec, Jolin-Barrette said he was “really open” to the idea of meeting her.

“We’re always interested in discussion,” he said. “I find it very positive that within Canada, there are federation partners that agree with more autonomy and a framework to limit the federal right to spend (within provincial jurisdiction).”

Smith’s letter expressed support for Quebec’s recommendation that it draft its own constitution, something the province has already begun.

“Today I am writing to express Alberta’s support in principle for a number of the report’s recommendations, with the aim of beginning a dialogue between our two governments and other provincial governments toward enhancing provincial autonomy within the federation,” reads her letter.

Smith said that Alberta shares the desire for having more autonomy, as outlined in its Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act.

“It’s very interesting because historically, Quebec and Alberta worked together, and we will continue to work together on autonomy of the different provinces,” Jolin-Barrette said.

Additionally, Smith championed the Quebec committee’s recommendation for a special deliberation apparatus for legislative bills which would include the notwithstanding clause overriding fundamental rights.

“Elected legislatures — not federally appointed judges — should have the final word on the scope of rights subject to a parliamentary sovereignty clause (known as the notwithstanding clause),” wrote Smith.

“This is an area where our two provinces may be able to coordinate an approach that demonstrates the serious deliberation that is undertaken when invoking a parliamentary sovereignty clause.”

Jolin-Barrette said Smith’s support is a sign that the CAQ government’s “third way” is still a viable political option, which seeks to lean into a sense of Quebecois nationalism while pursuing more influence within the federation.

“We can build bridges with other provinces here in Canada, and each province can have its own autonomy,” said Jolin-Barrette. “It’s working, and Premier Smith is telling us and supports Quebec with Bill 21.”