Crown attorneys weigh in on controversial comments by Premier Smith
The Alberta Crown Attorneys Association is weighing in on comments made by Premier Danielle Smith earlier this week.
On Thursday, Smith indicated she was regularly speaking with Crown prosecutors about how they would handle cases involving those accused of breaking COVID-19 health violations and other COVID-related offences.
The association said in its statement that prosecutorial independence (from political pressure) is fundamental to the role of a Crown prosecutor.
It also stated that it is not aware of any case where an elected official attempted to contact a specific Crown prosecutor to inquire about a prosecution.
Friday, Smith issued a statement saying she has never spoken directly to Crown prosecutors and that she used 'imprecise' language in her earlier remarks that caused an uproar. She said she was referring to conversations she had with the attorney general and deputy attorney general.
Alberta premier Danielle Smith asked Prime Minister Trudeau to apologize over the Speaker's Nazi invite controversy Wednesday.
ALBERTA CROWN ATTORNEYS ASSOCIATION STATEMENT
"Prosecutorial independence is fundamental to the role of Crown prosecutors. It is a central component of an open and fair justice system in a democratic society. As Crown prosecutors, we are duty-bound to apply a two-part standard throughout every prosecution: whether there is a reasonable likelihood of conviction, and whether proceeding is in the public interest.
"The Alberta Crown Prosecution Service’s Code of Conduct emphasizes the importance of Crown prosecutors being able to, and being directed to, perform their duties independent of political or other improper external influences.
"Our Association is not aware of any case where an elected official has attempted to contact a specific Crown prosecutor to inquire about a prosecution. Our members have and will continue to discharge their ethical obligations in accordance with the principles and standards referenced above."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'We need new leadership': Liberal MP writes to caucus, says Justin Trudeau should resign
A sitting Liberal MP has written to the federal caucus to say he thinks Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should resign. 'For the future of our party and for the good of our country we need new leadership and a new direction,' said New Brunswick MP Wayne Long in the brief note.
DEVELOPING Minivan slams into a Long Island nail salon, killing 4 and injuring 9, fire official says
A minivan slammed into a Long Island nail salon Friday, killing four people and injuring 9, a Suffolk County fire official said.
Ontario MPP removed from PC caucus over 'serious lapses in judgment'
Premier Doug Ford has removed a member of his caucus due to what he’s describing as 'serious lapses in judgment.' In a statement released Friday morning, the premier’s office said MPP Goldie Ghamari had been removed from the Progressive Conservative caucus 'effective immediately.'
Lt.-Gen. Jennie Carignan to become first woman to lead Canadian Armed Forces
Lt.-Gen. Jennie Carignan will be named Canada's new Chief of the Defence Staff, CTV News has learned, making her the first woman to lead the Canadian Armed Forces.
Multivitamins don't help you live longer, study suggests
Millions of people who take multivitamins everyday may not be reaping the perceived health benefits, according to new research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Is marriage harder than it was 10 years ago? Why one psychologist thinks so
Marriage might be the oldest institution in the world, but it's struggling to adapt to the pressures of modern life. Registered psychologist Adisa Azubuike explains why it's more difficult today.
Five survivors from Sudbury, Ont., rescued in human trafficking investigation
Six people have been charged in a provincial human trafficking investigation that identified five survivors from Greater Sudbury.
Human remains discovered at recycling facility in B.C.'s Lower Mainland
Workers discovered human remains at recycling facility in New Westminster, B.C., on Thursday, CTV News has learned.
Sharks take forward Celebrini first overall at NHL draft
Macklin Celebrini is a member of the San Jose Sharks after the club selected the centre from Vancouver with the top pick at the 2024 NHL draft.