“This is a denial of worker’s rights and a violation of their
constitutional rights for collective bargaining, because it’s very clear
that something that was agreed to by both parties has now been taken
away by the state using its full power to deny those rights,” Smith
said.

“Our members are angry. They want to let the government know
how they’re feeling as hard-working, front line workers out there
helping Albertans every single day.”

Bill 9’s passing came just
hours after Premier Jason Kenney walked among government benches in the
Alberta legislature, grabbing packets of fluorescent earplugs from a box
and handing them out to his caucus, giggling, as the house debated the
law.

The NDP says Kenney’s stunt was disrespectful, arrogant — and
somewhat ironic, given the premier promised during the election he
would “raise the bar of civility and decorum” in the Alberta
legislature.