The Canadian Taxpayers Federation has been granted leave to intervene and represent taxpayers in the Alberta Court of Appeal reference case examining the constitutionality of the federal government’s amended Impact Assessment Act.

“Ottawa shouldn’t be able to trample over provincial powers and leave taxpayers footing the bill for delays, duplication and wasted money,” said Devin Drover, CTF General Counsel. “This is an important win for taxpayers because it means their voices will be heard in a case that could reshape the balance of power in Canada.”

The Alberta government has referred questions to the Court of Appeal about whether Ottawa’s latest version of the Impact Assessment Act respects the Constitution. The law gives the federal government wide authority over projects that fall within provincial jurisdiction, including natural resource development.

The CTF has previously intervened in the first constitutional challenge to the Impact Assessment Act before both the Alberta Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada. The Supreme Court found that the previous version of the Impact Assessment Act was unconstitutional in part.

The CTF is intervening in this new reference to ensure that taxpayers’ interests are represented.

“This case isn’t just about governments fighting each other – it’s about accountability to the citizens who pay the bills,” Drover said. “When the Constitution is clear about which level of government is responsible, taxpayers can hold politicians accountable. When Ottawa blurs the lines, accountability breaks down and costs go up.”

The CTF will argue that the duplication created by the Impact Assessment Act undermines provincial autonomy, reduces accountability, and imposes unnecessary costs and delays on taxpayers across the country.

The Alberta Court of Appeal has not yet set a date for the hearing of this reference.