The Alberta government has introduced a free speech bill that limits how regulators oversee off-duty conduct. Critics warn the change could weaken Alberta professional regulation and increase misinformation. Justice Minister Mickey Amery presented Bill 13 in the legislature on Thursday. Premier Danielle Smith said regulators have gone too far in disciplining personal speech. She said people should not face penalties for comments made on their own time.
Health law experts strongly disagree with the proposal. Lorian Hardcastle from the University of Calgary said the bill harms public protection. She said the plan restricts Alberta professional regulation during a time of rising misinformation. The bill would also limit mandatory training for regulated workers. Regulators could not require diversity or bias training unless it relates to competence. Training on cultural or social issues would need a clear professional purpose.
The bill still allows discipline in serious cases. These include threats of violence or intent to harm someone. Sexual misconduct and improper communications with minors also remain grounds for discipline. The rules would cover more than 100 regulated professions. These include doctors, nurses, teachers, lawyers, architects and tradespeople. The government has not said when the changes might take effect.
The United Conservative Party previously supported reducing oversight of off-duty conduct. Smith said some doctors fear speaking about gender-care policies due to possible discipline. Experts say this concern is exaggerated. Health law researcher Timothy Caulfield said misinformation cases are rare. He said misinformation from professionals causes real harm. Hardcastle said professionals have influence that amplifies inaccurate claims.
Equity consultant Marcie Hawranik said the bill misrepresents diversity training. She said such programs improve communication and reduce workplace conflict. She warned that the bill brings more politics into professional standards. NDP critic Irfan Sabir said the bill encourages hateful speech. Regulators say they need time to study the proposed law.
