(Photo: Government of Alberta)

By The Canadian Press

Premier Danielle Smith announces plan to change Alberta Bill of Rights

Sep 24, 2024 | 11:33 AM

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, Smith says her government is introducing legislation in a few weeks to reinforce medical freedoms, affirm property rights and add the right to legally acquire, keep and 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 them.

Smith’s announcement comes as she faces a party leadership review in early November.

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Alberta conservatives have been known to boot their own leaders from the top job, including former UCP premier Jason Kenney.

Naheed Nenshi, Leader of the Alberta New Democrats, made the following statement Tuesday in response:

“Danielle Smith’s comments today on YouTube about her proposed amendments to the Alberta Bill of Rights are nothing but desperate virtue signalling over issues that she thinks will help her leadership review. Canadians’ fundamental human rights are protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and this, or any, Provincial bill does not override this.

“The Premier’s constant playing to her base isn’t just irritating, it has real consequences. For example, she’s focused on people who refuse to get a vaccine. She is not focused on parents who want the best care for their kids or for those struggling with mental health and addiction who continue to lack access to critical services.

“Albertans aren’t focused on these ‘priorities,’ ” Premier.

“They care about the cost of groceries in a province where inflation is consistently over the national average. They care about decent jobs in a province with the highest unemployment outside of Atlantic Canada. They care about our crumbling health care and education systems.

“We look forward to debating these priorities with you anytime, not hearing random announcements on pre-recorded videos.”