Rights and freedoms
By Chantelle de Jonge Chestermere-Strathmore MLA
Since its inception in 1972, the Alberta Bill of Rights has safeguarded the individual rights and freedoms at the core of our province’s proud identity. It is a document that has withstood the test of time, enshrining the fundamental principles every Albertan holds dear – freedom of speech, religion, and equality before the law.
Over 50 years later, we can all feel the changes that have swept across the world and nearly every aspect of our lives. The challenges confronting Albertans have evolved, and so too must our laws in order to ensure the rights and freedoms that make our province a beacon of hope remain properly protected for future generations.
In a few short weeks, our government will introduce legislation to strengthen the Alberta Bill of Rights and bring forward three key amendments respecting individual freedom and personal responsibility.
We will reinforce the rights of Albertans to make their own choices regarding the medical procedures they receive. This includes ensuring that every individual who has the capacity to do so will have the right to decide whether or not to receive a vaccination or undergo other medical procedures. Under the amended Alberta Bill of Rights, those who choose not to receive a vaccine will not have their civil liberties limited, suspended, or otherwise impeded by undue pressure or interference by government.
Our government will also strengthen the property rights of Albertans, a cornerstone of living in any free, democratic society. The reaffirmation of Albertans’ right to own and enjoy the property they work so hard to earn ensures that government can never deprive any Albertan of their personal property without due process of law and just compensation.
Finally, we will make an amendment to explicitly clarify that, in Alberta, we respect the right of individuals to legally acquire, keep, and safely use firearms. For too long, law-abiding farmers, ranchers, and hunters have fallen victim to our federal government’s overreaching, idealistic policy agendas.
These amendments will strengthen Alberta’s Bill of Rights and provide a legal foundation through which key rights and liberties are protected in an unpredictable and rapidly changing political climate. Our government recognizes the crucial importance of individual freedoms and personal responsibility. We believe that our amendments will strengthen these principles for all Albertans.
In other news, Alberta’s government is making sure communities have a say in how they are policed by the RCMP. The creation of the municipal and regional policing committees and the Provincial Police Advisory Board will ensure large and small municipalities have a role in setting province-wide policing priorities and performance goals for the RCMP to ensure service delivery reflects and addresses local needs. The changes coming into force through the amendments and new regulations represent a collaborative effort on the part of municipalities, the RCMP and Alberta’s government to improve public safety in communities throughout the province.
As always, please feel free to email (Chestermere.Strathmore@assembly.ab.ca) with your feedback and questions.
(Chantelle de Jonge is the MLA for Chestermere-Strathmore and the Parliamentary Secretary for Affordability and Utilities)