NDP leader Rachel Notley has asked Alberta’s lieutenant-governor to deny assent of Bill 22, controversial legislation introduced Monday that would fire Election Commissioner Lorne Gibson in the middle of his investigation into the UCP leadership race.
The race was won by Premier Jason Kenney in October 2017.
Gibson has been focusing on the so-called kamikaze leadership bid of Jeff Callaway since he took office last year and has laid more than $200,000 in fines.
The Callaway and Kenney campaigns are alleged to have conspired to bring down Kenney’s main opponent Brian Jean. Both men deny the collaboration.
Notley sent a letter on Tuesday to Lt.-Gov. Lois Mitchell urging her to take action on a bill she calls a “misuse of the authority of the legislature” and “a threat to our democratic institutions” — particularly since the government has moved to limit time for debate.
Position would be terminated
“While I recognize that it is unusual for the lieutenant-governor to exercise this authority, I am convinced that the exceptional nature of this proposed legislation calls for such extraordinary measures,” Notley writes.
The move to fire Gibson is contained within Bill 22, an omnibus-style bill introduced Monday.
The proposed legislation would dissolve the independent office of the election commissioner and changes the scope of the position so it reports to Chief Electoral Officer Glen Resler.
Gibson’s contract, which was in place until 2023, would be terminated upon passage and royal assent of the bill.
The government claims the move achieves greater efficiency and saves $1 million over five years.
Critics say that by removing Gibson, Premier Jason Kenney is thwarting additional investigations into the race.
Finance Minister Travis Toews, the minister responsible for Bill 22, said Resler is free to rehire Gibson if he chooses. Toews said the change will have no effect on ongoing investigations.
The NDP will also seek an emergency debate on the bill Tuesday afternoon. Since the UCP has a majority in the Alberta legislature, the request will not likely be granted.
Notley said on Monday the NDP caucus will also be seeking advice on what legal steps can be taken to stop the government from firing Gibson.