In the latest episode of Alberta Update, Premier Danielle Smith discussed upcoming changes to the Alberta Bill of Rights with Bruce McAllister. Premier Smith detailed the motivations behind the amendments and their potential impact on Alberta’s future.
One of the key amendments is the reinforcement of the right to make personal medical decisions. The changes aim to ensure that all Albertans, who have the mental capacity to do so, can make informed choices about their medical treatments without external pressure. Smith emphasized that this amendment is particularly relevant in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, where debates over bodily autonomy and vaccination mandates became a focal point.
“No Albertan should ever be subjected or pressured into accepting a medical treatment without their full consent,” Smith stated.
Another aspect of the proposed amendments is the strengthening of property rights. Smith underscored the importance of ensuring that no Albertan can be deprived of their property without due process and just compensation.
Additionally, the amendments will clarify and protect the rights of individuals to legally acquire, keep, and safely use firearms. “For many Albertans, firearms are critical to their way of life,” Smith said, voicing her concern that law-abiding firearms owners have been unfairly targeted by federal regulations.
During the interview, Premier Smith discussed how the new amendments could shape Alberta’s future, especially its relationship with the federal government. She was willing to test the boundaries of federal overreach, particularly in areas where the province believes its rights have been infringed upon. Smith highlighted past federal actions, such as Bill C-69, which she referred to as the “no more pipelines bill,” as examples of overreach that Alberta intends to challenge.
“We believe that the provincial government should be a bastion of freedom for those who want to come here,” Smith stated, reiterating Alberta’s commitment to standing up for its residents’ rights against federal interference.
The episode also touched on a major announcement regarding educational infrastructure in Alberta. In response to a surge in school enrollments, particularly in large and mid-sized cities, Premier Smith and Education Minister Demetrius Nicolaides announced plans to accelerate the construction of new schools across the province. Over the next seven years, the government aims to create 200,000 new school spaces, with 30 schools planned for construction each year.
Smith explained that the new initiative is a response to the rapid population growth Alberta has experienced, with over 200,000 newcomers arriving in 2023 alone. “Our classrooms are bursting at the seams,” she said, stressing the urgency of expanding educational facilities to accommodate the growing student population.
Another topic of discussion was the introduction of the “Rate of Last Resort,” a new utility bill pricing model aimed at encouraging Albertans to seek better energy rates. Premier Smith explained that the new name reflects the government’s intent to push consumers to shop around for more favorable rates rather than relying on the default option, which may be more expensive.
“We want people to think, ‘This must be the worst rate,’” Smith said, noting that the previous “regulated rate option” often gave a false sense of security.
Smith’s remarks set the stage for what could be significant changes to the Alberta Bill of Rights. As discussions unfold, we’ll see how the new changes will shape the province’s future.