UCP to focus on Bill of Rights, transgender policy as MLAs return

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Updating the Bill of Rights, and introducing changes to policies around transgender persons will be among the early priorities for Alberta’s United Conservative government when MLAs return to the legislature on Monday.

In an interview Friday, government house leader Joseph Schow told Postmedia that the government intends to introduce “around 13” government bills between the start of session Monday and its scheduled end on Dec. 5.

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“Expect more of the same this session in making sure that we’re putting forth legislation that’s in response to what people are asking us for,” Schow said.

“The themes really never change. It’s all about protecting Albertans, making sure the province maintains its place as the best place to live and to visit, and ensure that we’re providing world-class services.”

Bill of Rights, trans policies expected to be early priorities

Schow wouldn’t confirm which bill would be introduced first but hinted that the premier’s comments over the summer regarding the Bill of Rights, changes to education and health care, and transgender policies were indicative of what legislation would likely come near the start of the session.

The government plans to amend the Alberta Bill of Rights to add the right not to be given medical care, treatment, or a vaccine without consent; the right to acquire, keep, and use firearms in accordance with the law; and strengthened property rights.

Schow said the changes to transgender policy will be spread across three different bills.

Premier Danielle Smith has indicated those bills will, among other changes, ban gender reassignment surgery for those aged under 17, limit hormone therapy for children aged 15 and under, and restrict sports participation for transgender athletes. 

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Schow, himself a former professional basketball player, said the sports legislation was one he was particularly focused on.

He didn’t give specifics of the bill, but aid its goal was to “accommodate a safe and welcoming environment for sport but also one that doesn’t exclude anyone from playing and making sure that trans individuals have a place to play.”

Monday’s return will mark a continuation of the session from when MLAs last met in May rather than the end of that session and the start of a new one marked by a throne speech.

“Prorogation requires a throne speech. It does give us a chance to lay out new focus and priorities but those priorities and focuses haven’t changed for us since 2023 when we were re-elected,” Schow said.

“It’s a robust agenda.”

No legislation for involuntary treatment, tax cut, insurance reform

A number of policies the premier has hinted at in the past do not appear to be coming this fall.

Schow said not to expect legislation on involuntary treatment or compassionate intervention for those dealing with addiction, a policy Smith told Postmedia late last year that she would consider using the notwithstanding clause to ensure it came into force.

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There are also no planned Sovereignty Act motions, though Schow said those tend to be reactive to the actions of the federal government.

“We don’t have anything planned at the moment but again, we’re always responsive.”

Schow said it was “way too premature” to talk about the premier’s promised income tax cut, and deferred questions about auto insurance reforms to the office of Finance Minister Nate Horner.

“We will be announcing reforms to auto insurance by the end of the year, with legislation to follow,” Horner’s office said in a statement.

The Alberta NDP are scheduled to hold a news conference later Friday morning to respond to the government’s agenda.

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