The safety and security of our communities are of the highest importance, and ensuring the protection of Alberta’s critical infrastructure is a key priority of this government.
Recently, I had the pleasure of welcoming Minister Mike Ellis and Minister Nate Horner to Hardisty for an engagement session with local stakeholders. This meeting was an important opportunity for our community to provide direct feedback to the ministers regarding the challenges we face, and the actions needed to address them.
Thanks to these valuable discussions, our government has responded swiftly with proposed amendments to the Critical Infrastructure Defence Act, reinforcing our commitment to safeguarding Alberta’s economy and public safety.
Our government is taking swift action to protect our province’s essential infrastructure and enhance security measures under the Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act. The proposed amendments to the Critical Infrastructure Defence Act are intended to ensure that the officers have the necessary tools to effectively prevent unlawful interference with critical sites, particularly in high-risk areas like our border and energy sectors.
One of the key updates is the expansion of the definition of essential infrastructure to include a two-kilometre, deep border zone north of the Alberta-United States border.
This strategic addition will allow law enforcement to better protect against trespassing, interference, and damage that could have serious public safety, economic, and environmental effects. It is important to note that the act will only apply when individuals have no lawful right, justification, or excuse to be in the area. Those who are legally working, living, or travelling within this zone will not be impacted.
Additionally, the amendments are aimed to protect Alberta’s economy from harmful federal policies, such as the proposed emissions cap.
By updating the Critical Infrastructure Defence Act to include facilities where oil and gas production and emission data and records are stored, we are taking proactive steps to defend Alberta’s energy sector. This is essential to maintaining our position as a responsible global energy producer while supporting economic growth and job creation across the province.
Our government is also taking a firm stance against federal overreach. The amendments will clearly state that the Critical Infrastructure Defence Act applies to the Government of Canada.
This ensures that Alberta’s essential infrastructure remains under provincial jurisdiction and is protected from any regulatory actions that could compromise our province’s economic interests.
These proposed changes are not just about legal definitions, they are about ensuring that our officers, industry leaders, and communities have the necessary tools to prevent disruptions that could impact our way of life.
Whether it is our border security, energy facilities, or transportation networks, Alberta’s critical infrastructure plays a vital role in the success and safety of our province.
I am proud to stand alongside my colleagues in government as we work to protect Alberta’s interests.
The feedback from our stakeholders in Hardisty has been instrumental in shaping these legislative updates. These amendments will help secure a strong and prosperous future for our province while reinforcing Alberta’s sovereignty within Canada.
- MLA Jackie Lovely can be contacted at her constituency office located at #104, 4870 51 Street, Camrose AB, T4V 1S1, or by telephone at 780-672-0000.
