Amid protests and a pandemic, Alberta threatens the Charter right to free assembly GlobeDebate
This translation has been automatically generated and has not been verified for accuracy.Angered by the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers, people around the world have gathered to protest the anti-Black discrimination and racist violence they see in their communities. In Alberta, there were vigils in Calgary’s Olympic Plaza, demonstrations outside the provincial legislature in Edmonton, and solidarity events in smaller communities around the province.
Under the terms of the bill, those exercising our constitutional rights could face hefty costs and jail timeThe minimum fine for the offence of mere presence on public land is $1,000, with a maximum fine for a first offence at $10,000 and up to $25,000, as well as up to six months in prison, for subsequent “offences." So even as people protest against discriminatory laws, this sweeping legislation aims to codify discriminatory punishment in the name of “lawful” business.
The effects of this law will also extend well beyond the medical crisis. Mr. Kenney has often criticized the federal government for overreaching with its gun legislation and carbon tax, but as NDP MLA for Calgary-Mountain View Kathleen Ganley put it, the removal of “peaceful gathering and communication among citizens was often a first step” in histories of government overreach.
This kind of democracy-assailing legislation is not a one-off for this UCP government, either. In April, the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms expressed concerns about Bill 10, which gives the government broad new powers,
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Stadium experience to change profoundly for sports fans amid COVID-19 pandemicFans are not yet being allowed to attend events and the only consensus for now is that there could be a long period of empty or nearly empty seating
Read more »
Robotic machine replaces need to push wheelchair at Tokyo airportAn autonomous mobility system that works like a wheelchair without anyone pushing it is scuttling around a Tokyo airport to help with social distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Read more »
Layoffs and financial desperation signal the new normal could be ugly in sports mediaSports streaming services are down and web audiences shrink as content remains on pandemic-induced hold
Read more »
I'm A COVID-19 Doctor. Do You Know What I'd Like To See From Our President? Compassion.'To overcome this pandemic, we need a president who can look past politics and listen to scientists, physicians, and the data.'
Read more »
Opinion: As the pandemic drags on, governments shouldn’t take our trust for grantedAs the pandemic drags on, governments shouldn’t take our trust for granted GlobeDebate
Read more »
Opinion: Without the clarity they need, Alberta’s oil sands producers are being set up to failNorway’s sovereign wealth fund’s decision to divest from Canadian oil and Joe Biden’s promises on Keystone XL highlight the misunderstandings that are putting the oil sands on the back foot
Read more »