![]() ![]() Merely walking along a highway can violate the law. The legislation also introduces more opportunities for authorities to harass and intimidate Indigenous Peoples in their daily lives. Introduced in the midst of Wet’suwet’en land defence and passed during the COVID-19 emergency, the Alberta act targets Indigenous people who protect the land, the environment, Indigenous women and Indigenous self-determination. But the penalties are limitless, because every day permits a new infraction. Violations of the act can result in fines of $1,000 to $10,000 for the first offence and up to $25,000 for subsequent offences. Essential infrastructure is broadly defined. It is now illegal to be in areas designated as “essential infrastructure” without a reason. None consider treaty obligations.Īlberta’s Critical Infrastructure Defence Act came into effect on June 17 despite significant public opposition. These provincial reforms expand police powers, introduce military-style weapons and sanction the increased use of force by private individuals. Historically, Canadian state violence against Indigenous Peoples has included direct force and invoking laws to intimidate and dispossess. Recent legal reforms in Alberta and Saskatchewan suggest both provinces could be gearing up for more violence against Indigenous Peoples, even as both commit to reconciliation. By Reem Bahdi, Jillian Rogin, and Sylvia McAdam ![]()
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