A message to our supporters from Albertans Against Bill 26

On Tuesday, December 7, 2011 despite a large and vocal protest by Albertans, Bill 26, the Traffic Safety Amendment Act, was passed in the Alberta Legislature. Bill 26 will not become enforceable for approximately 180 days (6 months) as per commentary from the government.

We believe the Act was written with good intentions especially, as it relates to strict punishment provisions for drivers over the legal blood alcohol content of 0.08. What is considered inappropriate is the proposed punishment to Albertans at levels less than the legal limit.

We are deeply disappointed at the disregard the Alberta Government has had in how it handled the passage of Bill 26 through the Legislature. The lack of proper consultation and how this Bill was rushed through legislation is something that disappoints us all.

However, the Alberta Government has extended us the invitation to be part of the discussion on the implementation and education elements of Bill 26. We have accepted the Government’s invitation and will move forward with the goal of trying to hold them accountable, so the same mistakes are not repeated in Alberta as they have been in British Columbia, where the same legislation was passed.

Beginning on December 8, 2011 we sent over 11,886 emails and letters, along with multiple phone calls, to Premier Alison Redford and her government voicing Albertan’s concerns about Bill 26. We thank all of you for sharing your voice. You have helped to play a very important role in our efforts.

Thank you for your support.