Lawmakers returned to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta on Monday and kicked off the start of the fall session with the first reading of proposed Alberta Bill of Rights amendments.
The United Conservative Party government highlighted 13 bills they plan on introducing in this session including the amendments to protect personal autonomy, property rights, and legal firearm ownership.
In Friday’s press conference, Government House Leader Joseph Schow emphasized a renewed focus on fortifying Albertans’ fundamental freedoms.
“Alberta’s government is heading back to the legislature with a laser-focus on the protection of Albertans’ best interests,” said Schow. “The legislation introduced this session will see Alberta be a leader in Canada, enshrining fundamental rights while simultaneously ensuring our province remains a haven for job-creating investment with strong, business-friendly policies.”
Among the most anticipated legislation is the Alberta Bill of Rights Amendment Act.
“Since its inception, the Alberta Bill of Rights has been a reflection of our shared values, recognizing the fundamental rights and freedoms that are essential to a free and democratic society,” said Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. “It enshrines the principles that every Albertan holds dear: freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to equality before the law, among other fundamental rights.”
However, she explained that the Alberta Bill of Rights has not evolved with society and requires an update. The law has been untouched since its introduction in 1972.
The legislative session resumed just days before Smith’s leadership review on Nov. 2.
Schow didn’t provide dates on when most of the bills would be introduced, aside from Bill 24, the Alberta Bill of Rights Amendment Act, which passed its first reading on Monday. The proposed amendments would take effect upon Royal Assent.
Smith said that the four key amendments included in the bill mean that Albertans will never be subject to a government vaccine mandate again and that property rights will ensure just compensation for landowners. The legislation also includes the protection to acquire, keep, and use firearms in accordance with the law and additional freedom of expression protections.
“These amendments to the Alberta Bill of Rights are not just legal changes. They are a reaffirmation of the values that make Alberta one of the freest jurisdictions on Earth,” she said.
Schow said that getting all 13 bills tabled as soon as possible was the goal.
“Our government’s focus on protection of Albertans’ rights and freedoms comes in addition to our ongoing work to build a prosperous future for our province,” said Schow.
The fall session will also tackle restrictions on gender reassignment surgeries for minors. The proposed legislation will ban such surgeries for those aged 17 and younger and prohibit puberty blockers for those 15 and younger, except with parental and professional approval for mature teens aged 16-17.
Additionally, Smith’s administration aims to implement education reforms, including an opt-in policy for gender ideology and sexual identity lessons. Reforms also ensure that biological sex restrictions are placed to ensure women and girls have access to fair sporting opportunities across the province. Co-ed divisions will be created to ensure opportunities for transgender athletes.
Other proposed bills include the Justice Statutes Amendment Act, the Financial Statutes Act, and the Access to Information Act. The session will also see efforts to strengthen workplace safety and improve privacy protections.
Recently announced legislation targeting professional regulators’ overreach will be part of the broader amendments to the Alberta Bill of Rights. According to Smith, the changes aim to ensure that regulatory bodies stay within their mandates, preserving free speech for professionals.
“What a doctor or lawyer believes or says about politics is not a reflection of their competency to practice medicine or law,” said Smith.
Schow added that the upcoming bills reflect extensive consultation with Albertans which include the premier travelling the province knocking on doors, making phone calls, doing town halls, attending events, and talking to grassroots Albertans. Other ministers were also involved in this process.
“The government’s emphasis on ensuring the rights and freedoms of Albertans are protected in an ever-changing world is in addition to the ongoing work to continue diversifying Alberta’s economy and maintain Alberta’s business- and investment-friendly environment,” reads the provincial government’s press release.