Subhead:Bill 49 proposes to narrow the definition of an “emergency” to ensure that emergency powers are used only for the necessary duration to restore public safety.#
Alberta’s government is taking action now to protect residents from future abuses of federal emergency powers. Liberal Leader Mark Carney has threatened to invoke the Emergencies Act to speed up big projects if elected.
Bill 49, responding to panel recommendations, aims to balance individual rights with swift crisis action. The proposed change narrows the definition of an “emergency” to ensure that emergency powers are used only for the necessary duration to restore public safety.
Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services, clarified yesterday that the bill was written prior to Carney’s ascension as prime minister.
BREAKING: Alberta moves to protect personal freedom when emergency powers in place https://t.co/HvvT4mlTuv
— Western Standard (@WSOnlineNews) April 7, 2025
“I wouldn’t say this is a pushback,” he told the Western Standard. “We had the Manning Report that had a number of recommendations. I think we want to make sure that we’re balancing that with public safety, with individual freedoms, and I think we’re striking the right balance.”
The Manning Report is the final report on emergency health governance, led by Preston Manning, formerly the Reform Party leader.
Premier Danielle Smith’s 2023 commission to review the province’s COVID response was not carried out, though recommendations to balance freedoms with added safety precautions were provided.
The November 2023 report recommended amending Alberta’s Bill of Rights, Employment Standards Code, and Health Professions Act to protect Albertans’ rights and freedoms, including freedom of expression, during public emergencies.
