Alberta Moves to Limit Worker Sanctions for After-Hours Conduct
Alberta is considering significant changes to how worker conduct is regulated outside of their professional duties. Justice Minister Mickey Amery introduced the Regulated Professions Neutrality Act, known as Bill 13, aimed at protecting workers from disciplinary actions for their speech during non-work hours. This proposal comes in response to concerns over potential overreach by regulatory bodies regarding free speech.
Key Features of Bill 13
If passed, Bill 13 will limit the ability of regulatory bodies to impose sanctions for statements made outside of work. Premier Danielle Smith emphasized that professional regulators should not discipline individuals simply for expressing their opinions in personal time. The proposed legislation aims to ensure a balance between professional accountability and personal freedoms.
Training and Conduct Regulations
Bill 13 will also restrict the types of training that can be mandated by licensing organizations. Regulatory bodies would not be allowed to require certain training, including:
- Cultural competency
- Unconscious bias
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion training
Mandatory training could only focus on areas vital for a professional’s competence or ethical standards.
Scope of the Bill
The legislation will impact over 100 regulated professions, such as:
- Lawyers
- Doctors
- Teachers
- Nurses
- Engineers
Disciplinary measures would remain permissible in specific situations, including threats of violence or misconduct, particularly involving minors.
Background and Controversy
The proposal follows a resolution passed by United Conservative Party members in 2023. The resolution called for investigations to be limited to professional activities during work hours. Premier Smith has voiced concerns over punishing professionals for expressing viewpoints, particularly regarding controversial issues like medical treatments for minors.
Health law professionals warn that loosening these regulations could promote the spread of misinformation, especially in healthcare. Timothy Caulfield, a health law professor, argues that curbing the regulatory power of professional bodies could harm public health and safety.
Stakeholder Reactions
Critics of the bill, including health law experts and opposition politicians, have expressed concern that it might allow for increased dissemination of harmful ideas and misinformation. Organizations like the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta and the Law Society of Alberta are still assessing the bill’s potential impacts on their operations and the public interest.
Next Steps
As discussions around Bill 13 continue, the government has yet to announce a timeline for implementing the proposed changes. If passed, it represents a significant shift in how worker behavior is governed in Alberta, challenging the traditional boundaries of professional accountability and personal freedom.
