EDMONTON – Premier Danielle Smith says she plans to reinforce the right to decide whether to receive a vaccination or other medical procedure in changes to the Alberta Bill of Rights.
In an online video posted Tuesday, Smith said her government aims to amend the document in a few weeks to ensure people have the right to make informed decisions without fear of undue pressure or interference by the government.
“It is my firm conviction that no Albertan should ever be subjected (to) or pressured into accepting a medical treatment without their full consent,” she said.
The changes outlined by Smith would also ensure the province respects “the right of individuals to legally acquire, keep and safely use firearms.”
Smith says she believes law-abiding gun owners have been targeted by the federal government, and she hopes the changes will better protect farmers, ranchers, hunters and sports enthusiasts.
The legislation would also declare that Albertans can’t be deprived of their property without due process of law and fair compensation.
“This is a reaffirmation of your right to own and enjoy the property that you’ve worked so hard for,” said Smith.
United Conservative Party members have been pushing Smith for the recognition of rights that go well beyond the Canadian Constitution and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, including around guns, parental rights and taxes.
Smith’s announcement comes as she faces a party leadership review in early November.
Alberta conservatives have been known to boot their own leaders from the top job, including former UCP premier Jason Kenney.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Sept. 24, 2024.
