Alberta’s Smith ‘Extremely Disappointed’ By Ottawa’s Attempt to Restrict Provincial Use of Notwithstanding Clause

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith answers a question from the media during the meeting of Canada’s premiers in Huntsville, Ont., on July 23, 2025. The Canadian Press/Nathan Denette

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is describing Ottawa’s bid to limit provincial use of the notwithstanding clause as a risk to “national unity.”

Smith spoke out on Sept. 18 against the federal government’s asking the Supreme Court of Canada to set limits on the manner in which provinces can use the notwithstanding clause, which is part of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.