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Updating the Bill of Rights will be the top priority for Alberta’s United Conservative (UCP) government when MPs return to the legislature on Monday.

In an interview Friday, Government House Leader Joseph Schow told Postmedia that the government intends to introduce “about 13” bills between the start of a five-week session that begins Monday and which is scheduled to end on December 5 with a week-long session. mid-November break in between.

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“Expect more of the same this session to make sure we introduce legislation that meets what people are asking of us,” Schow said.

“The themes really never change. It’s all about protecting Albertans, ensuring the province maintains its place as the best place to live and visit, and ensuring we provide world-class services.

Bill of Rights legislation will come first

Schow said the government’s planned overhaul of the Alberta Bill of Rights would come first, with the bill being tabled Monday afternoon.

Premier Danielle Smith said the government plans to amend the Bill of Rights to add the right not to receive medical care, treatment or vaccinations without consent; the right to acquire, keep and use firearms in accordance with the law; and strengthened property rights.

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Schow said changes to transgender policy will also be a top priority, with the policy changes expected to be spread across three different bills.

Smith said the bills would, among other changes, ban gender reassignment surgery for those under 17, limit hormone therapy for children ages 15 and younger, require parents to report pronoun changes in schools and would restrict the sports participation of transgender athletes.

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

He did not elaborate on the bill, but said its goal was to “create an environment that is safe and welcoming for sport, but also one that does not exclude anyone from playing, and to ensure that transgender people have a place to play.”

At a news conference Friday, he refused to directly answer questions about whether the government would invoke section 33 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms — the notwithstanding clause — to ensure passage of the bill.

The clause allows certain parts of the Charter to be waived for a period of five years. It is most frequently used by Quebec and was used by Saskatchewan in 2023 regarding school pronoun policy.

No legislation on involuntary treatment, tax cuts and insurance reform

Smith told Postmedia late last year that she would consider the same thing use the derogation clause to guarantee that legislation on humanitarian intervention or compulsory treatment described in a ministerial mandate letter last year comes into force.

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But this policy is one of many she has hinted at in the past that don’t appear to be coming to fruition this fall.

Schow said there were also There are no planned motions under the Sovereignty Act, but she said these are being brought forward in response to the federal government’s actions.

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

Schow said it was “far too premature” to talk about the prime minister’s promised income tax cut and referred questions about auto insurance reform to Finance Minister Nate Horner’s office.

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

Monday’s return will mark the continuation of the session since the last meeting of MPs in May rather than the end of this session and the start of a new one marked by a Speech from the Throne.

“Prorogation requires a Speech from the Throne. This gives us a chance to set new directions and priorities, but those priorities and directions have not changed for us since 2023, when we were re-elected,” Schow said.

“It’s a solid program.”

NDP criticizes lack of affordability legislation

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The opposition New Democrats (NDP) will enter the Assembly next week without its leader Naheed Nenshi, who has still not been elected as an MP.

NDP House Leader and MP for Edmonton-Mill Woods Christina Gray will serve as leader of the official opposition in the House in Nenshi’s absence.

Gray told reporters Friday that the government’s legislative agenda better reflects the will of Smith’s base as she prepares for a vote of confidence in the leadership at the upcoming UCP convention on Nov. 2.

“What we are seeing is that an agenda is being presented that is a top priority for the fringe and grassroots elements of the prime minister’s political party,” she said.

“There is a total mismatch between what the UCP government is doing and what Albertans are looking for. »

She also criticized the government for failing to provide legislation to address cost of living issues.

“There is nothing in this package to address affordability, and it is frankly shameful that the government is suggesting it is working on Alberta’s priorities when it cannot include that.”

Gray added that Nenshi would continue to lead the party, noting that Smith and former premier Jason Kenney both became party leaders without being elected as MPs.

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“He will get a seat and become an MP when the time and opportunity presents itself. »

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