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Alberta judges urge respect after Smith said she wants to ‘direct’ them
Alberta's chief justices emphasize judicial decisions must be free from political influence to uphold democracy and protect rights, following the premier's remarks.
- On Jan. 27, 2026, Alberta's three chief justices issued a rare public statement defending judicial independence, saying `democracy only functions when all three branches of government operate independently`.
- Premier Danielle Smith said on her call-in radio show Saturday she wishes she could `direct` judges and has criticized `activist` and `unelected` judges while seeking to work with Ottawa on Court of King's Bench appointments.
- The justices explained Alberta's judges must decide solely on the law and evidence, free from pressure by governments that appoint judges, treating all Albertans equally and protecting rights.
- The release arrived days after Premier Danielle Smith's remarks, and Olav Rokne, provincial court spokesperson, declined to link the statement specifically to her, calling it an educational clarification.
- Efforts to influence appointments include Danielle Smith seeking Ottawa's cooperation, highlighted by her recent press conference on Parliament Hill.
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620 CKRM The Source | Country Music, News, Sports in Sask…Alberta judges urge respect after Smith said she wants to ‘direct’ them
EDMONTON - Alberta's judges are calling for respect days after Premier Danielle Smith said she wishes she could "direct" them.
·Waterloo, Canada
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Winnipeg Free Press+8 Reposted by 8 other sources
Alberta judges urge respect after Smith said she wants to 'direct' them
Breaking News, Sports, Manitoba, Canada
·Winnipeg, Canada
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Total News Sources13
Leaning Left8Leaning Right0Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution67% Left
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources lean Left
67% Left
L 67%
C 33%
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