Notley writes to lieutenant governor to stop UCP cover up

“Bill 22 is an abuse of power and an assault on the principles of democracy,” said Notley on Tuesday after sending the letter. “I am asking the Lieutenant Governor to step in and stop this government from passing this corrupt bill.” (File Photo: Rachel Notley/Facebook)

EDMONTON – Leader of Alberta’s NDP and Official Opposition, Rachel Notley has sent a letter to her honour Lois Mitchell, the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, requesting that she exercise her authority to deny assent of Bill 22, that would remove the Office of the Election Commissioner.

“Bill 22 is an abuse of power and an assault on the principles of democracy,” said Notley on Tuesday after sending the letter. “I am asking the Lieutenant Governor to step in and stop this government from passing this corrupt bill.”

The letter contends that the bill represents an attack on the constitutionally acknowledged protections and distinctions between the executive, judicial, and legislative branches and asks the Lieutenant Governor to consider whether passing the bill would be an abuse of the privileges of executive council.

NDP Caucus House Leader, Deron Bilous will be calling for an emergency debate in the legislature, Tuesday afternoon.

“This attack on our democratic principles and the disregard for accountability certainly constitutes an emergency,” Bilous said. “This government’s introduction of the closure motion prior to the introduction of the Bill represents a first in the history of the Alberta legislature and is an unprecedented and outrageous oppression of members’ legislative rights.”