In the latest episode of Alberta Update, Premier Danielle Smith sat down with host Bruce Mallister to delve into the provincial government’s upcoming initiatives and legislative changes.
One of the key issues discussed was the provincial government’s plan to explore legislative amendments to protect the freedom of expression for regulated professionals. Smith cited the example of psychologist Jordan Peterson. Peterson faced professional discipline for controversial social media comments unrelated to his practice.
Smith expressed concern that regulatory bodies have been overstepping their mandates by monitoring the public opinions of professionals, particularly those that do not directly impact client or patient safety. “We want them to be looking at issues of patient safety or client safety… we shouldn’t be policing what professionals think or believe, especially when it comes to political opinions,” Smith explained.
The conversation then shifted to her government’s efforts to counter federal emissions targets, which Smith has criticized as impractical for Alberta’s oil and gas industry. The federal government’s proposed caps aim to limit emissions from high-emission industries by 2030. Smith indicated that if production were reduced to meet the federal caps, Alberta would lose significant oil revenue. “It’s billions of dollars for our provincial government, tens of billions for the Canadian economy,” Smith asserted. She argued that the cap would impose added costs on households, estimating that it could increase monthly expenses by $419, affecting basic needs like groceries, transportation, and heating.
Ahead of Alberta’s fall legislative session, Smith reiterated her commitment to enhancing individual freedoms and protecting personal autonomy, including rights regarding medical decisions, firearm ownership, and property rights.
She noted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, some Albertans felt government overreach impacted their medical autonomy. Therefore, Smith said these experiences motivated her government to affirm citizens’ rights to make their own health-related choices without government interference. Additionally, Smith underscored a commitment to protecting property rights, ensuring compensation for landowners if the government imposes regulations impacting property use.
The Premier also mentioned further measures to protect lawful firearms owners. The government aims to create a more robust legal framework supporting individual freedoms and Alberta’s autonomy within the Canadian Federation.
Perhaps the most contentious topic Smith addressed was her administration’s stance on gender issues, particularly in healthcare and sports. Under the proposed policy, minors under 15 will be restricted from receiving puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones, and anyone under 18 will be prohibited from undergoing gender-affirming surgeries. Smith argued that these life-altering decisions should be postponed until adulthood.
The policy also emphasizes parental involvement in medical decisions. “Parents want to know what’s going on with their kids,” Smith said.
The proposal also seeks to establish a female-only category in competitive sports while allowing for co-ed categories to increase inclusivity. “Our starting point is to support youth in becoming who they’re meant to be,” Smith explained. However, detractors have argued that the policy risks limiting the rights and healthcare access of transgender minors, an issue that has garnered polarized responses across the province.
As Alberta’s fall legislative session approaches, the Premier’s office anticipates support and opposition to the proposed changes. Each policy area touches on complex issues with significant social and economic implications.
For now, as Smith stated, the conversation continues: “We believe freedom of expression is essential to a free and democratic society… we think we’ve found the right balance.” The upcoming legislative session will be an opportunity for Albertans to weigh in, shaping the province’s response to an evolving landscape of federal and provincial relations.