Danielle Smith’s new “integrated” driver’s licence takes the restrictive citizenship-ID tests from the U.S. SAVE Act and extends them to Alberta health care.

Long-time Albertans who’ve paid taxes, graduated from Canadian high schools, and stayed on provincial and federal voters lists for decades now face arbitrary, error-prone proof-of-citizenship hurdles just to renew a licence or keep their health coverage.

This is a clear overreach of provincial power and a denial of Charter mobility rights for citizens and permanent residents.

The “cure” is far worse than the unspecified “disease.” Under the Oakes Test, any infringement of Charter rights must be minimal and backed by clear evidence of a serious problem. Where’s the evidence?

Absurd that no other province wants this. Absurd that Alberta Vital Statistics databases aren’t being routinely checked for Alberta-born residents. Absurd that expired passports are rejected when the federal government’s own online renewal system accepts passports issued up to 15 years ago.

This isn’t protecting democracy. It’s creating new barriers for people who have already proven they belong here. #abpoli #DanielleSmith #CharterRights #Alberta