Proposed changes to Alberta Bill of Rights would prohibit vaccinations without consent

The Alberta government is proposing changes to the provincial Bill of Rights aimed at giving residents the right to refuse medical treatments, including vaccines. But there would be exemptions around whether the person has the capacity to consent, and if they are likely to harm themselves or others.

Justice Minister Mickey Amery says the United Conservative government wants to make it clear no one will be forced to receive a treatment they don't want. But Premier Danielle Smith says the legislation is worded in such a way that it wouldn't conflict with the U-C-P's plans to allow police and family to force drug users into treatment.

The Alberta Bill of Rights only applies to the provincial government, and doesn't bind the federal government, the private sector or individuals. Other proposed amendments centre on property and firearms. They're being introduced ahead of Smith's party leadership review this weekend.

Opposition N-D-P justice critic Irfan Sabir says the proposed changes mostly restate rights that already exist and are designed to whip up support from Smith's party base.