Premier Danielle Smith has announced a move to amend the Alberta Bill of Rights, aiming to bolster individual freedoms and update the legislation to reflect modern challenges. The changes, which will be introduced in the coming weeks, are designed to protect Albertans’ rights in areas ranging from medical autonomy to property ownership and firearm use.
One of the standout changes in the proposed amendments is the focus on medical autonomy. The Premier emphasized that the right to make personal medical decisions, including whether or not to receive vaccinations, will be reinforced.
“In recent years, we’ve seen the challenges and hardships that can arise when the right to bodily autonomy is not adequately protected,” Smith said. “No Albertan should ever be subjected to, or pressured into, accepting a medical treatment without their full consent.”
The amendments will also bolster property rights. Smith highlighted that the revised Bill of Rights would ensure no one in the province can lose their property without due process and just compensation.
“Your right to own and enjoy the property that you’ve worked so hard for is fundamental to living in a free and democratic society,” she noted.
This update comes as property rights have become a hot-button issue, with some Albertans concerned about the potential for government overreach in land use and other regulatory matters. The amendments aim to reaffirm the province’s commitment to protecting property owners from unjust expropriation.
In another significant move, the proposed changes will make it clear that Albertans have the right to legally acquire, keep, and safely use firearms. This amendment is particularly relevant for those in rural areas who rely on firearms for their livelihoods, whether for farming, ranching, or hunting.
“Law-abiding firearms owners have been unfairly targeted by our federal government for decades,” Smith said. “These amendments will better protect the rights of our farmers, ranchers, hunters, and sport enthusiasts going forward.”
Smith framed the new amendments as more than just legal changes; she sees them as a reaffirmation of Alberta’s core values.
“These amendments are not just legal changes; they are a reaffirmation of the values that make Alberta one of the freest jurisdictions on Earth,” she said. “We are sending a clear message that in Alberta, the rights of individuals are paramount, and that government must respect those rights at every turn.”
As the UCP government prepares to introduce the new amendments, the proposals are expected to spark significant debate. Supporters are likely to applaud the move as a necessary defense of individual freedoms, while critics may raise concerns about the broader implications for public health and safety.