Alberta government to detail plan to fight federal gun buyback program

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says more details are expected today on her government’s proposed plan to fight Ottawa’s gun buyback program.

Over the weekend, Smith told the United Conservative Party’s annual convention her government would table a motion that, if passed, would see the province refuse to enforce or prosecute people under the federal rules.

Get breaking National news

She told reporters Monday that Justice Minister Mickey Amery would share more at an afternoon news conference.

The motion would come under Smith’s flagship Alberta Sovereignty Within A United Canada Act, which purports to allow the province to sidestep federal laws.

• Canada secures membership in EU defence industry pact, Carney says
• ‘Home Improvement’ star Zachery Ty Bryan arrested for 2nd time this year

The federal government has banned hundreds of assault-style firearms and has developed a voluntary buyback program.

Smith says Albertans shouldn’t be prosecuted for defending their homes and families and that the law needs to focus on going after what she calls “low-life criminals.”

• Canada secures membership in EU defence industry pact, Carney says
• Canadian air passenger traffic to U.S. down for 9th consecutive month
• Carney shuffles cabinet, names new ministers to replace Guilbeault
• May says voting for Carney’s budget a ‘mistake’ after Alberta pipeline deal

• Business Matters: Airbus says most jets have software fix after flight-control incident
• Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation hopes to include more First Nations in upcoming pipeline discussions
• Alberta, Ottawa at odds over gun buyback
• Guilbeault quits cabinet over Carney’s pipeline push