Alberta chief justices issue rare statement defending judicial independence.

Alberta’s three chief justices issued a rare public statement defending judicial independence after Premier Danielle Smith said she wished she could "direct" judges.

Alberta's three chief justices released a public statement defending judicial independence. The court office described the statement as educational and said it was developed over several weeks. The judges emphasized that independence among the branches of government ensures checks and balances and supports public confidence. The statement followed recent public remarks by Premier Danielle Smith about directing judges and seeking greater provincial input on appointments. What happened: - The chief justices issued a public statement affirming that judicial independence underpins checks and balances and public trust. - The statement was released days after Premier Danielle Smith said she "wished I could direct the judges" and proposed more provincial involvement in judicial appointments. - It was signed by Acting Chief Justice Dawn Pentelechuk, Chief Justice Kent Davidson and Chief Justice James Hunter. - A court spokesperson said the statement was not tied to a specific event and was intended to be educational. Summary: The judges’ statement restates judicial independence as a foundation for a healthy democracy and seeks to reinforce public confidence in institutions. Undetermined at this time.