Overview
- Bill 9 would invoke Section 33 to protect three laws—on health care, education and sports—from Charter challenges and suspend the Alberta Bill of Rights and Human Rights Act from applying to them.
- Justice Minister Mickey Amery said the override is intended to terminate ongoing litigation, including challenges by LGBTQ+ groups and the Canadian Medical Association, which called the health law an unprecedented intrusion into care.
- The health statute bans gender‑reassignment surgery for minors and blocks puberty blockers and hormone therapy for those under 16; parts were previously paused by an Alberta judge citing potential irreparable harm.
- The education law requires parental consent for students under 16 to change names or pronouns at school and mandates parental opt‑in for lessons on sexual health, gender identity or sexual orientation; the sports law limits female divisions to those assigned female at birth.
- Criticism has mounted from medical associations, civil liberties and labour groups, and opposition politicians, while Ottawa voiced concern and the Supreme Court is weighing related cases on the scope of the notwithstanding clause.