Calgary Pride condemns the Government of Alberta’s intention to invoke Section 33 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the “Notwithstanding Clause”). The Government’s proposed actions would threaten the fundamental human rights of Albertans and cause direct and lasting harm to Two Spirit, Transgender, and Non-Binary people in our province.
The Government of Alberta’s stated intention directly undermines the values of equality, justice, and freedom that all Albertans hold dear. Bills 26, 27, and 29 restrict access to healthcare, create unsafe school environments, and exclude gender-diverse Albertans from sports and community spaces. The use of the Notwithstanding Clause to push through anti-trans legislation distorts the original intention of this governmental power and weaponizes it to target the gender-diverse community. These bills, coupled with the Government’s willingness to override Charter Rights, increase systemic harm and put already marginalized people at even greater risk.
We are deeply troubled that the Government is choosing to disregard the lived experiences of gender-diverse Albertans, medical experts, and the judicial process itself. Through the efforts of Egale Canada and Skipping Stone, the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta granted a temporary injunction to Bill 26, which illustrates that these Bills cannot withstand legal scrutiny.
Calgary Pride gladly joins with our community partners, advocates, and allies in calling on the Government of Alberta to listen to the demands of Albertans who are asking for the rights to freedom, dignity, and equality.
As always, Calgary Pride’s commitment to advocating for our community remains unwavering. We will continue to stand alongside our Two Spirit, Transgender, and Non-Binary friends and family in fighting for a future where everyone is safe, supported, loved, and celebrated. We work to create an Alberta where every family can live without fear of being legislated into silence, or erased.
Together, we will reject these harmful actions and will continue building an Alberta rooted in justice and authentic belonging.
