Redford pushing for stricter impaired driving laws in Alberta

CALGARY – Hours before a crash caused by drunk driving claimed the lives of four Grande Prairie teens, Premier Alison Redford spoke of changing provincial impaired driving laws in Alberta. During a meeting with B.C. Premier Christy Clark on Friday, Redford told reporters that it was a priority for her and the government to continue to work on Alberta’s drinking and driving legislation.

B.C. has cut the number of drinking and driving fatalities in half since it implemented stricter rules last year. The penalties include removing an offender’s license and vehicle for up to 30 days for having a blood alcohol level between .05 and .08.

“It sends a message to everyone that impaired driving is a crime and it’s rampant and it’s a further deterrent when people get behind the wheel after they’ve been drinking or taking drugs, that there’s an incredible consequence for them,” says Denise Duby with MADD Calgary.

The province says it’s still working on a ‘made-in-Alberta’ solution.

However, there’s a mixed reaction to the B.C. inspired proposal. Under federal law a driver cannot face criminal charges until they are caught driving with a blood alcohol level over .08.

“What this type of legislation does is it allows the province to sort of sneak around the criminal code and put in their own rules,” says defence lawyer Balfour Der. “It’s like the province is saying we know parliament says it’s over when it becomes a crime but we don’t like that so we’re going to change our own law in Alberta to make you responsible if you are at .05.”

Der says if there’s going to be an effective change it needs to come from the federal government.

“I’m sure this type of legislation if it’s passed in Alberta will be the subject of constant challenges because it’s tinkering with criminal law which is only the federal government’s responsibility.”

In the meantime, the Calgary Police Service and MADD Calgary say they would support changes to provincial legislation.