Premier willing to use the notwithstanding clause on Alberta trans health bill
CTV
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says using the notwithstanding clause to shield her government's transgender health restrictions is on the table as a "last resort."
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says using the notwithstanding clause to shield her government's transgender health restrictions is on the table as a "last resort."
A provincial law will ban doctors from providing gender-affirming treatment such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy for those under 16. A surgical prohibition already in effect will halt gender-affirming "top" surgeries for minors.
Speaking on her radio call-in show this weekend, Smith said she is willing to invoke the notwithstanding clause, a measure that allows governments to override certain Charter rights for up to five years.
"Because I feel so strongly about protecting kids' right to preserve their fertility until they're adults, we would, as a last resort, have to use the notwithstanding clause."
"I hope it doesn't come to that, but for sure, we would," she said.
She explained Saturday that she does not want to use the clause because doing so suggests to her that lawmakers haven't been careful enough.
"We feel we've been very careful in our law crafting."
