EDMONTON, AB (November 30, 2011): Premier Alison Redford’s proposed changes to drunk driving legislation should be sent to committee for closer review now that the British Columbia legislation – which Redford modeled her proposals after – was ruled unconstitutional today.

Under Redford’s proposed changes, Alberta motorists with blood-alcohol levels between 0.05 and the legal limit of 0.08 will be subject to stiff administrative penalties, including longer suspensions of driver’s licences and vehicles.

“We know Premier Redford wanted to model her legislation after BC’s, and now we’re seeing very serious issues with that particular piece of legislation,” Wildrose Justice Critic Rob Anderson said. “We need to slow down, examine our proposed changes very closely and take the time necessary to get it right.”

Instead of Redford’s proposed changes, the Wildrose has suggested dramatically increasing check stops and stricter penalties for motorists over the 0.08 limit.

“Redford’s changes are targeting law-abiding citizens who aren’t the problem,” Anderson said. “We need to refer these changes to an all-party committee so we can come up with a drunk driving law that actually saves lives and leaves law-abiding Albertans alone.”

Wildrose stands for free enterprise, less government, increased personal freedom and democracy.