Alberta to Limit Professional Regulators' Control Over Free Speech

Premier Danielle Smith announces legislative review to safeguard professionals' right to express personal views.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith plans to introduce legislation next year to restrict professional regulatory bodies from policing members' personal speech.
The initiative responds to concerns that regulators overstep by disciplining professionals for expressing political or religious opinions.
Justice Minister Mickey Amery highlighted cases where professionals faced burdensome disciplinary processes for opinions shared outside their professional duties.
The review will involve input from professionals and regulatory bodies to assess if current oversight exceeds mandates on professional competence and conduct.
Critics argue that the move could allow the spread of misinformation, while supporters see it as a defense of free speech in a democratic society.