Jason Kenney Is Challenging The Feds' Use Of The Emergencies Act & Says It's 'Unjustified'

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney has announced the province would be launching a legal challenge against the federal government’s "unjustified use of the Emergencies Act."

In a video, Kenney dismissed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s decision to invoke the act as an "unnecessary and disproportionate measure" that can "violate civil liberties, invades provincial jurisdiction and creates a very dangerous precedent for the future."

The Emergencies Act was invoked by the federal government after weeks of protests disrupted the city of Ottawa and blockades impacted movement of traffic through the Coutts and Ambassador Bridge border crossings. People were protesting against vaccine mandates and COVID-19 public health measures.

"Provincial law enforcement authorities are able to deal with illegal road blockades," Kenney said.

"Unprecedented extrajudicial powers are being used for no compelling reason."

He added: "We need to take action to defend, yes the law and order, but also civil liberties and our Constitution in Canada. Alberta will be doing just that."

However, other Albertan politicians disagreed with Kenney’s decision to challenge the act. George Chahal, Liberal MP for Calgary Skyview, said he would vote in favour of the invocation of the Emergencies Act because it had an "immediate positive effect on restoring order."

In a statement, Chahal said: “Local authorities in both Alberta and Ontario were unable to restore order for weeks, allowing protesters to cause massive economic damage.

"It is unfortunate that Alberta's Premier, who is facing an imminent leadership review, continues to meaninglessly posture instead of putting the best interests of his province above his own personal political survival."