in World News Smith reveals sneak-peek into upcoming Bill of Rights amendments to protect Albertans
By Isaac Lamoureux, True North Wire
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.