Alberta Pushes for Judicial Appointments Power

0:00It's March 31st, from your city to your ears. This is Canada News today, powered by AI. I'm Cory with the story. Alberta's government is pushing hard for a constitutional shake-up to give provinces more control over appointing their own superior and appeal court. Judges. Premier Danielle Smith announced they'll pass a motion in the legislature later this week, mirroring one Quebec did almost a year ago. This ram said pressure after a letter from Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Quebec premieres to Prime Minister Mark Carney, got brushed off by. Federal Justice Minister Sean Frazier. Earlier this year, Smith tried diplomatic routes with another letter and even floated with holding court funding, but Ottawa dismissed that too. The current setup gives the fed sole power over these appointments, and any change needs the House of Commons, Senate, and at least seven provinces. Starting over half the country's population to sign on. Critics like the Canadian Bar Association say this could politicize the courts, and they

1:00argue Canada's system differs from places like the U.S. or Australia, where provinces handle more local judging. Opposition NDP critic, Irfan Sabir, slam Smith for lacking credibility, pointing to her past jabs at judges as activists. Smith pushes back, saying provinces deserve a real voice to boost public trust and justice delivery. Most efforts included proposals for balanced federal provincial committees to vet candidates, but those stalled out. Provinces are hoping this motion sparks wider support to finally shift the balance and make judicial picks reflect local needs.