Alberta looks at arming legislature security guards as part of justice amendments
Alberta's justice minister has introduced legislation that would arm security officers at the legislature, make it easier to enforce spousal and child support in other jurisdictions and increase the limit on civil claims at the provincial court level.
Tyler Shandro, the minister of justice and attorney general, introduced the Justice Statutes Amendment Act on Tuesday.
The sergeant-at-arms and the speaker of the legislative assembly reviewed security after the shooting on Parliament Hill in 2014 and a suicide at the Alberta legislature in 2019
The review concluded that members of the Legislative Assembly Security Service should be allowed to carry firearms in the legislature building and surrounding area.
"This is something that has been studied going back to 2014. This is a long time coming, I think. It's been studied to death," Shandro said in an interview with The Canadian Press last month.
"I think that's one of the concerns that the speaker has and the sergeant-at-arms. I am aware that they do have concerns and have been looking for these changes for many years."
Shandro said there are already armed sheriffs at the legislature, but most of the security officials have law enforcement experience that would give another level of protection.
"Providing these officers with the tools they need, including firearms, (would) protect all of those who occupy this building."
An amendment to the Interjurisdictional Support Orders Act would also make it easier for people to collect child and spousal support from ex-partners and spouses who live across the country.
It would allow the electronic exchange of certified documents to support interjurisdictional support orders.
British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Nova Scotia have made similar legislative changes.
"Given Legal Aid Alberta assists individuals who have partners and parents in many other areas of the country, this amendment … will help enhance the ability of our clients to collect critical child and spousal support payments in a more timely and efficient manner, putting money in the hands who need it most," John Panusa, president and CEO of Legal Aid Alberta, said in a statement.
An update to the Provincial Court Act would allow more civil claims to be dealt with at the provincial court level. The process at the lower court level is simpler and more cost-effective, but the limit is $50,000 and was last updated in 2014.
Amendments would allow government to adjust the limit up to $200,000.
"This increase in jurisdictional limits will enhance the court's ability to fulfil its mission to provide fair, accessible and timely justice for Albertans," said Provincial Court of Alberta Chief Judge Derek Redman.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 6, 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.