The UCP government is putting forward amendments to the Alberta Bill of Rights that are said to evolve the document to the current day.
According to a release from the UCP, the provincial bill has not been updated since 1972 when it was introduced. The proposed changes focus on rights for speech, religion and equality.
In a statement, Premier Danielle Smith says the proposed changes build off the principles the province was built on.
“We continue building on that foundation so Albertans for generations to come can rest assured their rights and freedoms are respected,” Smith says.
The amendments being put forward for the document include protections for decisions considered to be personal autonomy, including choosing to not be given a vaccine or receive any kind of medical care without permission. Some of the amendments are connected to recommendations in the Public Health Emergencies Governance Review Panel’s final report.
As well the proposed changes focus on the right to lawfully own a gun. The government is also looking to strengthen owners’ property rights by adding clauses regarding the authorization of property legally being taken by the government which is worded as “just compensation.”
In a statement, Minister of Justice and Attorney General Mickey Amery says, “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.”
The government is also proposing expanding the application of the provincial bill of rights to all government actions, which will create more options to address breaches of the bill through the courts.
NDP Shadow Minister for Justice, Irfan Sabir says the proposed bill is not a well-considered or thought out piece of legislature that falls short of protecting the rights of Albertans.
“There’s no such right included and protected in this bill that women will have the right to choose as they see fit,” Sabir says. “There is no right for gender-affirming care when it’s decided between a child, their parents and their medical health professional.”
When it comes to rights that are included, such as property rights, Sabir says he does not see the right in the proposed document the same rights for people to have things such as solar projects on their properties.
“I think it’s less about Albertans rights. It is more about whipping up the premier base before the November 2nd leadership vote.”
According to the province the “proposed amendments to the Alberta Bill of Rights would take effect upon Royal Assent.”
