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Alberta Bill of Rights


Published: 2015-03-19

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ALBERTA BILL OF RIGHTS ALBERTA BILL OF RIGHTS
Chapter A‑14
Preamble
WHEREAS the free and democratic society existing in Alberta is founded on principles that acknowledge the supremacy of God and on principles, fostered by tradition, that honour and respect human rights and fundamental freedoms and the dignity and worth of the human person;
WHEREAS the Parliament of Canada, being desirous of enshrining certain principles and the human rights and fundamental freedoms derived from them, enacted the Canadian Bill of Rights in order to ensure the protection of those rights and freedoms in Canada in matters coming within its legislative authority; and
WHEREAS the Legislature of Alberta, affirming those principles and recognizing the need to ensure the protection of those rights and freedoms in Alberta in matters coming within its legislative authority, desires to enact an Alberta Bill of Rights; THEREFORE HER MAJESTY, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, enacts as follows:
Recognition and declaration of rights and freedoms
1   It is hereby recognized and declared that in Alberta there exist without discrimination by reason of race, national origin, colour, religion, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or gender expression, the following human rights and fundamental freedoms, namely:
                           (a)    the right of the individual to liberty, security of the person and enjoyment of property, and the right not to be deprived thereof except by due process of law;
                           (b)    the right of the individual to equality before the law and the protection of the law;
                           (c)    freedom of religion;
                           (d)    freedom of speech;
                           (e)    freedom of assembly and association;
                            (f)    freedom of the press;
                           (g)    the right of parents to make informed decisions respecting the education of their children.
RSA 2000 cA‑14 s1;2015 c1 s1
Construction of law
2   Every law of Alberta shall, unless it is expressly declared by an Act of the Legislature that it operates notwithstanding the Alberta Bill of Rights, be so construed and applied as not to abrogate, abridge or infringe or to authorize the abrogation, abridgment or infringement of any of the rights or freedoms herein recognized and declared.
RSA 1980 cA‑16 s2
Saving
3(1)  Nothing in this Act shall be construed to abrogate or abridge any human right or fundamental freedom not enumerated herein that may have existed in Alberta at the commencement of this Act.
(2)  In this Act, “law of Alberta” means an Act of the Legislature of Alberta enacted before or after the commencement of this Act, any order, rule or regulation made thereunder, and any law in force in Alberta at the commencement of this Act that is subject to be repealed, abolished or altered by the Legislature of Alberta.
(3)  The provisions of this Act shall be construed as extending only to matters coming within the legislative authority of the Legislature of Alberta.
RSA 1980 cA‑16 s3
Notice to Minister of Justice and Solicitor General
4(1)  If in any action or other proceeding a question arises as to whether any law of Alberta abrogates, abridges or infringes, or authorizes the abrogation, abridgment or infringement, of any of the rights and freedoms herein recognized and declared, no adjudication on that question is valid unless notice has been given to the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General.
(2)  When the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General has notice under subsection (1), the Minister may, in person or by counsel, appear and participate in that action or proceeding on such terms and conditions as the court, person or body conducting the proceeding may consider just.
RSA 2000 cA‑14 s4;2013 c10 s34