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Alberta

Alberta’s Danielle Smith confirms new ‘Bill of Rights’ will protect against forced vaccination

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From LifeSiteNews

By Anthony Murdoch

Smith has confirmed that new legislation will soon be put forth to enshrine the right to refuse ‘vaccination’ as well as a promise to protect ‘property rights’ in the province.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith confirmed Tuesday that forthcoming legislation to strengthen the province’s “Bill of Rights,” which LifeSiteNews exclusively reported on last month, is indeed coming soon. 

Smith confirmed that the new legislation will enshrine the right to refuse a “vaccination” as well as a promise to protect “property rights.” 

In a video address, Smith outlined “forthcoming legislation” that will amend Alberta’s Bill of Rights to “strengthen” Albertans “civil liberties and freedoms.” 

“As our society evolves, so too must our laws to ensure our rights and freedoms remain properly protected in an ever-changing world. One of the amendments we are making to the Bill of Rights is to reinforce the right of every Albertan to make their own choices regarding the medical treatments they receive,” said  Smith.  

“This includes ensuring that every individual in our province who has the mental capacity to do so will have the right to decide whether or not to receive a vaccination or other medical procedure.” 

Smith, who leads the ruling United Conservative Party, noted that the recent COVID “years” have seen “challenges and hardship that can arise when that right to bodily autonomy is not adequately protected.” 

“It is my firm conviction that no Albertan should ever be subjected or pressured into accepting a medical treatment without their full consent. For me, this addition to the Bill of Rights is about recognizing that,” she said. 

The forthcoming legislation, Smith noted, will also include strengthening “property rights” as well as the right for legal firearms owners to not be targeted by the federal government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. 

Smith acknowledges government’s role in pushing COVID shots

During COVID in Alberta, as well as in all other parts of Canada, jab mandates in the private and public sectors became the norm. This resulted in thousands losing their jobs for choosing not to undergo an experimental medical procedure. 

Indeed, in Alberta, the COVID shots were heavily promoted by Smith’s predecessor, Jason Kenney, who was UCP leader and premier at the time.

Ultimately, Kenney’s stance on COVID jab mandates contributed to his ouster, with Smith’s rise to power resting on her opposition to Kenney’s pro-mandate position. On her first day on the job and only minutes after being sworn in as premier, Smith said that during the COVID years the “unvaccinated” were the “most discriminated against” group of people in her lifetime. 

Smith’s Tuesday message acknowledged the government’s role in mandating COVID shots. She said that in Alberta, “we believe that individuals have the right to make informed decisions about their own bodies without fear of undue pressure or interference by government.” 

Smith’s announcement seems to confirm what LifeSiteNews previously reported, namely, that the new legislation is to include provision which guarantee each citizen has the “right” to medical “informed consent” as well as the “right” to “refuse vaccinations.” 

Well before Smith’s announcement, LifeSiteNews was provided a copy of a draft version of the “Alberta Bill of Rights” from a source, who asked not to be named but who is well connected with the ruling UCP. LifeSiteNews was able to confirm the authenticity of the draft version of the bill through a second high-level source from within the UCP.   

The UCP source also told LifeSiteNews that while the draft version of the bill is subject to change, it is hoped by all of those who worked on the final version of the draft that there will not be many changes. The source noted that while the bill does have support from many cabinet members of the UCP, there are a few who oppose the bill.   

While not confirmed by Smith in her announcement, LifeSiteNews reported earlier this month that the forthcoming legislation also looks to include a provision that would cement parental rights as “God-given,” as well as the “right to life” from “conception, gestation in the womb.”

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Alberta

Alberta school boards required to meet new standards for school library materials with regard to sexual content

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Alberta’s government has introduced new standards to ensure school library materials are age-appropriate.

School libraries should be safe and supportive places where students can learn and explore without being exposed to inappropriate sexual content. However, in the absence of a consistent standard for selecting age-appropriate library materials, school boards have taken different approaches, leading to concerns about safeguards in place.

In response to these concerns, and informed by feedback from education partners and the public, Alberta’s government has created standards to provide school boards with clear direction on the selection, availability and access to school library materials, such as books.

“Our actions to ensure that materials in school libraries don’t expose children to sexual content were never about banning books. These new standards are to ensure that school boards have clear guidance to ensure age-appropriate access to school library materials, while reflecting the values and priorities of Albertans.”

Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education and Childcare

The new standards set clear expectations for school library materials with regard to sexual content and require school boards to implement policies to support these standards.

Standards for school library materials

Under the new standards, school libraries are not permitted to include library materials containing explicit sexual content. Non-explicit sexual content may be accessible to students in Grade 10 and above, provided it is age-appropriate.

“Protecting kids from explicit content is common sense. LGBTQ youth, like all children, deserve to see themselves in stories that are age-appropriate, supportive and affirming – not in material that sexualizes or confuses them.”

Blaine Badiuk, education and LGBTQ advocate

School boards must also regularly review their school library collections, publish a full list of available materials and ensure that a staff member supervises students’ access to school library materials. School boards will have to remove any materials with explicit sexual content from their school libraries by October 1.

School board policies and procedures

All school boards must have publicly available policies that align with the new standards for selecting and managing library materials by January 1, 2026. School boards can either create new policies or update existing ones to meet these requirements.

These policies must outline how school library materials are selected and reviewed, how staff supervise students’ access throughout the school day, and how a student, parent, school board employee or other member of the school community can request a review or removal of materials in the school library. School boards are also required to clearly communicate these policies to employees, students and parents before January 2026.

“A robust, grade- and age-appropriate library catalogue is vital for student success. We welcome the ministry’s initiative to establish consistent standards and appreciate the ongoing consultation to help craft a plan that will serve our families and communities well.”

Holly Bilton, trustee, Chinook’s Edge School Division

“Red Deer Public Schools welcomes the new provincial standards for school library materials. Our division is committed to maintaining welcoming, respectful learning spaces where students can grow and thrive. Under the new standards for school libraries, we remain dedicated to providing learning resources that reflect our values and support student success.”

Nicole Buchanan, chair, Red Deer Public Schools

Quick facts

  • The new standards will apply to public, separate, francophone, charter and independent schools.
  • The ministerial order does not apply to municipal libraries located within schools or materials selected for use by teachers as learning and teaching resources.
  • From May 26 to June 6, almost 80,000 people completed an online survey to provide feedback on the creation of consistent standards to ensure the age-appropriateness of materials available to students in school libraries.

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Alberta

Fourteen regional advisory councils will shape health care planning and delivery in Alberta

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Regional health councils give Albertans a voice

Albertans want a health care system that reflects where they live and adapts to the unique needs of their communities. As part of the province’s health care refocus, Alberta’s government committed to strengthening community voices by providing more opportunities for Albertans to bring forward their local priorities and offer input on how to improve the system.

The regional advisory councils, made up of 150 members from 71 communities, will advise Alberta’s four health ministries and the newly refocused health agencies: Primary Care Alberta, Acute Care Alberta, Assisted Living Alberta and Recovery Alberta. Each council will explore solutions to local challenges and identify opportunities for the health system to better support community decision-making.

“By hearing first-hand community feedback directly, we can build a system that is more responsive, more inclusive and ultimately more effective for everyoneI am looking forward to hearing the councils’ insights, perspectives and solutions to improve health care in all corners of our province.”

Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services

“Regional advisory councils will strengthen acute care by giving communities a direct voice. Their insights will help us address local needs, improve patient outcomes and ensure timely access to hospital services.”

Matt Jones, Minister of Hospital and Surgical Health Services

“A ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach does not address unique regional needs when it comes to mental health and addiction challenges. These councils will help us hear directly from communities, allowing us to tailor supports and services to meet the needs of Albertans where they are.”

Rick Wilson, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction

“Every community has unique needs, especially when it comes to seniors and vulnerable populations. These regional advisory councils will help us better understand those needs and ensure that assisted living services are shaped by the people who rely on them.”

Jason Nixon, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services

Members include Albertans from all walks of life, health care workers, community leaders, Indigenous and municipal representatives, and others with a strong tie to their region. About one-third of members work in health care, and more than half of the council chairs are health professionals. Almost one-quarter are elected municipal officials, including 10 serving as chairs or vice-chairs. Ten councils also include a representative from a local health foundation.

Council members will share local and regional perspectives on health care services, planning and priorities to help ensure decisions reflect the realities of their communities. By engaging with residents, providers and organizations, they will gather feedback, identify challenges and bring forward ideas that may not otherwise reach government.

Through collaboration and community-informed solutions, members will help make the health system more responsive, accessible and better able to meet the needs of Albertans across the province.

“As Primary Care Alberta works to improve access to primary health care services and programs across Alberta, we are grateful to have the opportunity to tap into a dedicated group of community leaders and representatives. These people know their communities and local needs, and we look forward to learning from their experiences and knowledge as we shape the future of primary care in Alberta.”

Kim Simmonds, CEO, Primary Care Alberta

“The regional advisory councils will help to bring forward the voices of patients, families and front-line providers from every corner of Alberta. Their insights will help us plan smarter and deliver care that’s timely, effective and truly local. We look forward to working closely with them to strengthen hospital and surgical services across the province.”

Dr. Chris Eagle, interim CEO, Acute Care Alberta

“Nobody understands the health care challenges unique to a community better than the people who live there. The regional health advisory councils are made up of those living and working on the front lines across the province, ensuring we are getting the perspective of Albertans most affected by our health care system.”

Dr. Sayeh Zielke, CEO, Assisted Living Alberta

“Alongside Recovery Alberta’s staff and physician team, these regional advisory councils will build upon the high standard of mental health, addiction and correctional health services delivered in Alberta.”

Kerry Bales, CEO, Recovery Alberta

Indigenous Advisory Council

Alberta’s government continues to work directly with Indigenous leaders across the province to establish the Indigenous Advisory Council to strengthen health care services for First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities.

With up to 22 members, including Indigenous health care workers, community leaders and individuals receiving health care services, the council will represent diverse perspectives across Alberta. Members will provide community perspectives about clinical service planning, capital projects, workforce development and cultural integration in health care.

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