Alberta government to review laws protecting professionals' freedom of expression
The Alberta government is considering legislative changes to protect the freedom of expression for regulated professionals, responding to growing concerns that professional regulatory bodies may be overreaching in limiting individual speech and imposing compulsory training unrelated to professional practice.
This fall, the government will launch an engagement process to hear directly from regulated professionals, with the goal of ensuring that professional regulatory bodies focus on overseeing professional competence and conduct, rather than restricting members' rights and freedoms.
"Freedom of expression is a bedrock in a democratic society," said Premier Danielle Smith. "We are committed to standing up for Albertans' freedom and ensuring that they are not coerced into self-censorship by threats from their regulatory bodies."
Justice Minister Mickey Amery echoed these concerns, noting that professionals have faced complaints and even disciplinary action for expressing personal beliefs unrelated to their work.
"This situation could lead to self-censorship and infringe on their ability to speak freely," Amery said. "We are initiating this review to safeguard members' rights and freedoms."
The review will gather input from regulated professionals, their governing bodies, and other stakeholders, focusing on whether regulatory oversight is extending beyond professional competence into areas such as free expression, unrelated training, and vexatious complaints.
It will also consider how to protect professionals who hold multiple roles.
The review will encompass 118 regulated professions governed by 67 regulatory bodies across 11 ministries in Alberta. The government aims to ensure that regulations strike the right balance between upholding professional standards and protecting civil liberties.
From Richmond to Ottawa: Indigenous Land Claims Threaten Private Property Rights Across Canada
The Continuing Perversity of Civil Asset Forfeiture
A Richmond, B.C. man who’s owned his home since 1975 claims he has just been told his mortgage will not be renewed — because the B.C. Supreme Court granted title of his land to the Cowichan Tribe. After nearly 50 years of paying taxes, maintaining his home, and contributing to the community, his lender has informed him that his property no longer qualifies as secure collateral. The reason? His land title is now contested under an Indigenous land claim.
“I’ve owned my land for decades,” he said. “I’m not giving it up without a fight.” The homeowner received the news by letter and said his mortgage company refused renewal due to the uncertainty surrounding ownership. “I paid taxes, I paid for my place. Now, lo and behold, I don’t own it. Not fair.”
The court ruling in B.C. marks a historic precedent — and now it’s ...
Started on FB and everyone is losing their minds over the back to work order for teachers. Even Notley posted. I have been following this before they went out on strike and listened to Shilling blabber and change the story on talk shows. I may offend some but such is life but I don't care what has to happen to get kids back in the school of THEIR choice and stop this insanity. If you work for the taxpayer you should have no right to strike or threaten to in solidarity. I don't know the answer but what has happened for more years than not is not working. Abolish Unions and school boards also as they implement basically what the union wants - not Alberta Ed. Also put the special needs coded kids in their own classrooms all together and not with the ones there to learn. Sorry but if severe they will never learn like the others.
