A platform promise from a candidate for the leadership of the Progressive Conservative Party, to limit terms for elected officials in Alberta’s government is being met with criticism – legal experts say it infringes on the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
PC Leadership Candidate Jim Prentice went public with plans Thursday to introduce an “Accountability Act” if he’s elected leader of the party, and premier.
Part of the act includes term limits for MLAs and the premier – specifically, three terms for an MLA, and two terms for the premier.
However, it’s an idea that has some questioning Prentice as term limits may not be legal.
“I think that would clearly infringe Section 3 [of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms],” Eric Adams, Associated Professor of Law at the University of Alberta said.
“[It] guarantees a right of citizens not only to vote in federal and provincial elections, but also citizens to stand for office,” Adams continued – saying it means limits on the terms elected officials serve is not allowed.
When asked to clarify by CTV News, Prentice, a trained lawyer, insisted term limits would be part of his plans to introduce the idea in legislation in the proposed act.
“It ensures that we have turnover in the political process and ensures people stay grounded,” Prentice said.
He also mentioned bringing in the idea in policies for the PCs, which Adams said would be allowed, but would only affect the party.
Prentice’s proposed act also included reducing the size of the cabinet, and eliminating automatic severance pay.
With files from Breanna Karstens-Smith
