Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has hinted at further protecting vaccination choice, property rights and legal firearm ownership in upcoming amendments to the Alberta Bill of Rights.
Smith revealed the measures in a post to X on Tuesday, stating that every Albertan will have the right to make their own vaccination and medical decisions. Additionally, no Albertan will be deprived of their property without legal due process and just compensation. The final measure announced was an amendment to defend the rights of all legal and responsible firearm owners.
Smith said that the legislation will be introduced in a few weeks and is intended to protect the rights and freedoms central to the identity of Albertans.
“Since its inception, the Alberta Bill of Rights has been a reflection of our shared values, recognizing the fundamental rights and freedoms that are essential to a free and democratic society. It enshrines the principles that every Albertan holds dear: freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to equality before the law, among other fundamental rights,” said Smith. “It serves much like a constitutional document, in that it ensures all provincial laws and policies must align with those listed rights and freedoms.”
However, she added that while the Bill of Rights has served its purpose over the years, laws need to evolve to match the evolution of society so that rights and freedoms remain protected as the world changes.
Smith initially revealed in July that Alberta’s Bill of Rights would include the right to refuse a vaccine. She discussed the bill in more detail at the Canada Strong and Free Network on Sep. 21.
The speech in Red Deer confirmed that the bill would make it illegal for governments to discriminate against anyone for refusing medical treatments, such as vaccines.
Smith also revealed that further legislation in the fall would ban puberty blockers for those 15 years old and younger. Additionally, an opt-in choice for lessons on gender ideology and sexual identity at schools will be available to parents, and a sports league exclusive to biological females will ensure that stronger transgender biological males cannot compete against them.
“In recent years, we’ve seen the challenges and hardship that can arise when that right to bodily autonomy is not adequately protected. It is my firm conviction that no Albertans should ever be subjected or pressured into accepting a medical treatment without their full consent,” said Smith. “For me, this addition to the Bill of Rights is about recognizing that in Alberta, we believe that individuals have the right to make informed decisions about their own bodies without fear of undue pressure or interference by government.”
Smith said that the amendment for property rights affirms the right of every Albertan to own and enjoy the properties they’ve worked so hard for.
Lastly, the premier said that her government respects the right of individuals to legally acquire, keep, and use firearms safely.
“For many Albertans, firearms are critical to their livelihood and way of life,” said Smith. “I personally feel that law-abiding firearms owners have been unfairly targeted by our federal government for decades, and it is my hope that these amendments will better protect the rights of our farmers, ranchers, hunters, and sports enthusiasts.”
The Liberals’ firearm buyback program’s cost recently rose to at least $67 million from previously costing taxpayers $42 million in Mar. 2024. Not a single gun has been collected yet.
As for whether this amendment could protect Albertans, a spokesperson for Alberta’s Minister of Justice said that the proposed firearm amendment signals to the Liberals that the province takes firearm ownership seriously.
“We will continue to advocate to the federal government against what we feel are unfair restrictions to lawful firearms owners,” said the spokesperson.
While the Alberta Bill of Rights amendments are set to strengthen property rights and protect law-abiding firearms owners, they are unlikely to overrule the federal government’s firearm buyback program.
Under Canada’s Constitution, criminal law—including firearms regulation—falls under federal jurisdiction. Although Alberta can legislate on property and civil rights, which includes some aspects of firearms ownership, the federal government holds the power to enforce laws that protect public safety.
Similar actions have been taken by provinces like Saskatchewan, which introduced the Firearms Act in 2022 to complicate the federal buyback process by introducing strict transportation regulations for firearms.
Quebec also attempted to preserve its long-gun registry after the federal government dismantled it. The Supreme Court ruled in favour of Ottawa, affirming the federal government’s control over firearm regulation.
Therefore, while Alberta’s amendment may assert provincial rights and challenge federal policies, its actual impact on the buyback program will likely be limited, with any significant legal challenges requiring lengthy court battles.
