A coalition of lawyers from Alberta, which includes two former provincial justice ministers, is voicing concerns regarding the recent actions taken by the Alberta government that they claim undermine the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
Over 30 lawyers and articling students from the Camrose region have endorsed an open letter addressing these issues and encouraging Albertans to “speak out to safeguard our democratic institutions.”
Among the signatories is Verlyn Olson, a lawyer from Camrose, who previously served as the MLA for Wetaskiwin-Camrose and held the position of Alberta’s justice minister. Ken Rostad, another former justice minister, also added his name to the letter.
The letter criticizes various recent government initiatives, such as alterations to citizen-initiated petitions, the repeated invocation of the notwithstanding clause, and new laws that restrict the Law Society of Alberta’s capacity to take disciplinary action against a justice minister. Additionally, it addresses the premier’s recent public denunciations of the judiciary.
Olson expressed to CBC his concerns regarding Bill 14, which provides immunity to Alberta’s justice minister, who also acts as the attorney general, from sanctions imposed by the law society.
“If the law society cannot impose discipline on a justice minister, that indicates a serious flaw in the system,” Olson remarked.
“No minister, including myself, should possess that level of immunity.”
Olson asserted that these actions erode the governmental framework and the checks and balances intended to protect the populace.
“The risk grows that the government could easily infringe upon individuals’ rights,” Olson stated.
“It matters not which government or party is in power; I advocate for limitations on their actions.”
Alberta Justice Minister Mickey Amery and Premier Danielle Smith talk to reporters about Bill 13, the Regulated Professions Neutrality Act, on Nov. 20, 2025. (Bob Grieve/CBC)
In a statement sent to CBC, Justice Minister Mickey Amery indicated that the province is “dedicated to enhancing our democratic processes through legislation that aims to boost public confidence, foster participation, and enhance fairness in procedures.”
“This also includes utilizing all legal means necessary to ensure the safety of Albertans and uphold the rule of law.”
‘Transcends politics’
Ian Smith, a lawyer from Camrose and another signatory, remarked that the government’s application of the notwithstanding clause was the “last straw” for him.
Section 33 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms – commonly referred to as the notwithstanding clause – permits governments to bypass certain elements of Canadians’ rights for a duration of up to five years.
The government invoked this clause last year in legislation that mandated striking teachers to return to work. While Smith acknowledged its legitimacy as a constitutional measure, he expressed concern that the province’s usage creates a dangerous precedent.
“In a future government or era, it may be your rights that are compromised due to this law,” Smith cautioned.
Sydney Palmer, a criminal defense attorney from Camrose who also signed the letter, believes the clause should only be utilized as a last resort.
“We possess rights and freedoms, and the law must be equally applied to all individuals. When the notwithstanding clause is invoked, all these principles are disregarded.”
Smith opined that the matter “transcends politics.” Olson noted that the group of 30 lawyers who signed the letter represent various firms and political affiliations, but these concerns extend beyond political lines.
“From our perspective, it is crucial to uphold the rule of law and maintain a system of democratic checks and balances to effectively run a democracy,” Olson emphasized.