The Alberta government has announced proposed amendments to the Alberta Bill of Rights, which the UCP says aims to modernize and enhance the protection of human rights in the province.
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Proposed changes
The amendments would establish individuals' right to refuse medical treatment, including vaccines, without coercion and affirm the right to acquire and use firearms in accordance with the law. These rights aim to address personal and property rights while ensuring wider accountability for government actions.
Expanded property rights provisions would ensure that any deprivation of property must be authorized by law and include provisions for just compensation. Additionally, the Alberta Bill of Rights would apply to all government actions, not just formal laws or regulations, making it a more robust civil rights document.
Premier Danielle Smith emphasized the significance of these changes, stating, "Our province was built on the principles of individual freedom and responsibility. By making important changes to the Alberta Bill of Rights, we’re ensuring we continue building on that foundation so Albertans for generations to come can rest assured their rights and freedoms are respected."
According to the UCP government, the Alberta Bill of Rights has remained largely unchanged since its introduction in 1972, prompting the need for updates that reflect Albertans' evolving values.
However, Christina Gray, leader of the official opposition and Alberta NDP House Leader, previously stated that the government's move does not align with Albertans' needs and that residents have more pressing issues to address.
Gray expressed concerns about the proposed changes, saying, "...something that at best will be symbolic, at worst could continue to overburden our judicial system, as well as attacks on some of our most vulnerable children here in our province, perpetuating misinformation and demonizing groups of people for who they are, as well as changes to the education system."
She further highlighted that many Albertans, particularly those in Edmonton and Calgary, consistently raise health care and affordability as top issues, noting, "Many people experience long wait times for emergency care...affordability, with things getting more and more expensive across this province, and the government taking no actions on affordability."
Despite the opposition's criticism, Justice Minister Mickey Amery highlighted the Alberta government's commitment to safeguarding its citizens' rights. "The proposed amendments to the Alberta Bill of Rights address issues important to Albertans and reinforce that Alberta’s government is committed to protecting their rights. I am proud to see this bill introduced," he said.
Key highlights of the proposed amendments
- Right to refuse medical treatment or vaccines without coercion
- Right to freedom of expression that includes various forms beyond spoken and written language
- Expanded property rights hat require lawful authorization to deprive property and ensure just compensation
- Application of the Bill of Rights to all government actions, including policies and programs, not limited to formal laws
- Clarifications in the preamble reinforcing the importance of fundamental freedoms, family, and the rule of law
If passed, these amendments will take effect upon royal assent, the formal approval required to enact a law. They will apply to any infringements occurring after the amendments come into force.
However, they will not retroactively apply to property rights infringements that began before the amendments were enacted, provided litigation is already in process against the Crown.
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