Alberta Premier Proposes Amendments to Bill of Rights Emphasizing Medical Autonomy and Property Rights

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has announced forthcoming amendments to the Alberta Bill of Rights, emphasizing individual autonomy in medical decisions and reinforcing property rights. In a video posted on her official social media pages, Smith outlined her government’s intentions to introduce legislation that would fortify the right of Albertans to make personal choices regarding medical treatments, including vaccinations.

“One of the amendments we are making to the Bill of Rights is to reinforce the right of every Albertan to make their own choices regarding the medical treatments they receive,” Smith stated. “This includes ensuring that every individual in our province who has the mental capacity to do so will have the right to decide whether or not to receive a vaccination or other medical procedure.”

Smith underscored the importance of bodily autonomy, particularly in light of what she described as pressures during the COVID-19 pandemic. “It is my firm conviction that no Albertan should ever be subjected or pressured into accepting a medical treatment without their full consent,” she added.

The proposed changes are not limited to medical autonomy. Smith expressed intent to enhance protections for property rights, affirming Albertans’ rights to legally acquire and use firearms. “This is a reaffirmation of your right to own and enjoy the property that you’ve worked so hard for,” Smith explained. “For many Albertans, firearms are critical to their livelihood and way of life.”

However, the proposal has drawn criticism. Naheed Nenshi, Leader of the Alberta New Democrats, criticized the amendments as “virtue signalling.” Nenshi argued that the Premier’s focus was misaligned with the actual priorities of Albertans, who, according to him, are more concerned with economic issues such as inflation and unemployment.

University of Calgary law professor, Lorian Hardcastle, expressed concern over the potential impacts of these amendments, particularly regarding public health responses. “We’re less well prepared if we were to potentially go into another pandemic,” Hardcastle warned, indicating uncertainty over how these changes might affect employer regulations concerning vaccinations.

Eric Adams, a constitutional law professor at the University of Alberta, noted that such amendments would introduce “new legal terrain” in Alberta, emphasizing the necessity for a comprehensive public debate on the implications of altering the province’s legal framework.

The proposed amendments have been framed by Smith as a reflection of Alberta’s fundamental values and would serve as a statement against perceived federal pressures. “We are sending a clear message that in Alberta, the rights of individuals are paramount,” Smith concluded in her announcement.