Alberta threatens another legal challenge to 'unconstitutional' federal law

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is threatening another legal challenge against Ottawa's environmental assessment law, a move federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault is dismissing as a political stunt.

The federal Impact Assessment Act was enacted in 2019, but a Supreme Court of Canada ruling last year found much of it unconstitutional.

In response, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government made changes to the bill in the summer. But Smith said in a Thursday letter to Trudeau that the changes aren't good enough.

Smith said the province would mount a legal challenge in four weeks if Ottawa doesn't commit to further changes.

«The federal government continues to play politics and cater to activists,» she said in a Friday news release, accusing the Liberals of failing to meaningfully consult with Alberta.

Smith's ultimatum deadline coincides with her United Conservative Party's annual general meeting in early November, when members are scheduled to gather in Red Deer to cast their votes in a leadership review.

A statement sent on behalf of Guilbeault shot back at Smith, calling her move «cynical» given amendments passed through parliament months ago.

«It's no coincidence that this arbitrary deadline comes at the same time she faces a leadership review and wants to look tough for the hardcore base within her party,» said the statement.

It added there are four projects in Alberta that are currently being assessed, representing billions of dollars and hundreds of potential jobs.

«We want to ensure as much clarity, certainty and predictability as possible for projects, which Premier Smith threatens with her reckless political games,» the statement said.

The ministry defended the federal government's effort to engage in