Alberta Premier Danielle Smith delivered a characteristically blunt message to criminals during a major political gathering, framing her government's upcoming justice policies in stark, no-nonsense terms.
A Direct Warning from the Premier
Addressing the United Conservative Party's Annual General Meeting on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the Edmonton Expo Centre, Smith offered what she called a "little tip for lowlife criminals." The Premier stated, "If you don't want to get shot, don't break into someone's house. It's really that simple."
Her remarks, met with enthusiastic applause and whistles from the party faithful, signalled a significant shift in the provincial government's approach to crime and self-defence. Smith positioned this as a stand for common sense, contrasting it with what she described as a justice system that often seems to favour lawbreakers over law-abiding citizens.
Using the Sovereignty Act to Shield Defenders
The core of the announcement was the government's plan to wield the Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act in a novel way. Smith revealed the act would be used to instruct provincial law enforcement agencies not to enforce or prosecute Albertans who defend their homes and families from intruders.
"Repeat. Not enforce. Not prosecute. You don't just have to stand there and take it," Smith emphasized, summarizing the intended policy. This directive would extend to all provincial entities, including municipalities and their police forces.
The Sovereignty Act would also be employed to order provincial authorities to refuse to enforce or prosecute Ottawa's federal gun seizure program, a move that sets up a potential jurisdictional clash with the federal government.
Shifting Focus Back to Victims
Smith framed these actions as a necessary correction to a failing system. "We will seek justice for victims, not excuses for the guilty," she declared, arguing that public concern over safety and crime is a direct result of a "hug-a-thug" approach.
She criticized philosophies that view criminals as misunderstood, stating such perceived weakness is exploited. The Premier asserted her government's goal is to allow law enforcement to focus their efforts on pursuing criminals, rather than "farmers, ranchers, sport shooters and Albertans defending their home."
The announcement, promising to use the sovereignty act as a hammer to "pound some common sense into the so-called justice system," was a clear rallying point for the UCP base, reflecting a broader political stance on crime, provincial rights, and individual self-defence.
