Alberta UCP adopting MAGA mindset

In December 2025, Bill 14 refers to the Justice Statutes Amendment Act, 2025.

The "message" associated with this bill likely refers to one of three things, depending on the context you are looking for: the government's stated purpose, the urgent warning sent by the Chief Electoral Officer, or the message critics argue the bill sends regarding the rule of law.

1. The Chief Electoral Officer's Warning Message

The most controversial "message" directly attached to this bill was a letter sent by Alberta's Chief Electoral Officer, Gordon McClure, to all Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) just before the bill passed.

• The Message: He warned that Bill 14 would cause an "erosion of the separation of powers" and "significant harm to Albertans' trust in the integrity of our constitutional democratic process."

• Key Concern: His primary concern was that the bill removed his office's independent power to vetting initiative questions (referring them to the courts if illegal) and transferred more control to the government (Cabinet/Minister), risking partisan interference in the election process.

2. The Government's Stated Message

The Alberta government (UCP) framed the bill with the message of "Improving democratic processes and access to justice."

• Stated Intent: Justice Minister Mickey Amery stated the bill was necessary to "restore confidence" in the system and prevent illegal or unconstitutional questions (like the separation referendum) from tying up the courts.

• Key Action: The bill allows the government to veto citizen initiative questions they deem unconstitutional before they can proceed.

3. The "Message" Sent to Critics & First Nations

Critics, including the Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 First Nations and legal experts, argued the passing of the bill sent a message of "disrespect for the rule of law."

• Interference: The bill was introduced and passed effectively to stop an active court case regarding a separatist referendum question. By changing the law retroactively, it "silenced the court" (according to Justice Colin Feasby) and nullified active petitions, including a "No New Coal" mining initiative and the "Alberta Independence" initiative.

• First Nations: Treaty No. 6 leaders stated the bill was a message that the government is willing to override Treaty rights and judicial oversight to serve a "loud minority."

Summary of Bill 14 (Justice Statutes Amendment Act, 2025)

• Passed: December 2025

• Key Changes:

  • Citizen Initiatives: Retroactively cancels active petitions (Coal & Independence) and forces them to restart under stricter rules.

  • Vetting Power: Moves the power to reject initiative questions from the independent Chief Electoral Officer/Courts to the provincial Cabinet.

  • Election Rules: Increases the signatures required to run as an MLA from 25 to 100 and prevents voters from signing nomination papers for multiple candidates.

  • Legal Aid: Changes how the Alberta Law Foundation is regulated.

1. https://docs.assembly.ab.ca/LADDAR_files/docs/bills/bill/legislature_31/session_2/20251023_bill-014.pdf
2. https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/csj-sjc/pl/charter-charte/s14.html
3. https://lacombeexpress.com/2025/12/12/judge-first-nations-say-bill-14-risks-eroding-the-rule-of-law-in-alberta/
4. https://www.alberta.ca/improving-democratic-processes-and-access-to-justice
5. https://albertawilderness.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/20230300_archive_awa_wla_review_of_provincial_environmental_policies_nschmidt.pdf
6. https://www.elections.ab.ca/bill-14-amendments-to-provincial-electoral-legislation-now-in-force/
7. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/alberta-bill-14-chief-electoral-officer-partisan-influence-9.7010590
8. https://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/al65364.pdf
9. https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/recall-petitions-notwithstanding-clause-omnibus-legislation-albertas-turbulent-fall-sitting-comes-to-a-close
10. https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/jus-bill-14-justice-statutes-amendment-act-fact-sheet.pdf