By Canadian Press

goal is to keep communities safe

Alberta introduces bill to stop sex offenders from legally changing their name

Jun 24, 2020 | 5:16 PM

EDMONTON – Alberta is moving to stop convicted sex offenders from being allowed to legally change their names.

Nate Glubish, the minister in charge of Service Alberta, has introduced legislation to make such name changes illegal.

Glubish says the goal is to keep communities safe, adding that if victims must live with the scars of the assault, then the perpetrators can live under their own names.

Currently, Albertans who want to change their names must get a fingerprint check, but sex offenders can still change their names if they meet all legal requirements.

Glubish’s bill mandates that applicants now get a criminal record check and anyone convicted of sexual offences will be rejected.

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Alberta would then join Saskatchewan in implementing such a name-change ban.

“Sexual crimes, especially against children, are truly heinous. Prohibiting these offenders from legally changing their names is yet another step we are taking to ensure the safety of Alberta families in our communities,” Premier Jason Kenney said in a statement.

(Dean Bennett)