In a display of legislative stamina matched only by their enthusiasm for emergency constitutional shortcuts, Alberta’s United Conservatives powered through the pre-dawn hours Wednesday to pass their fourth notwithstanding-clause-powered bill in under two months – a pace that suggests they may soon qualify for frequent-flyer points with the Charter.
The bill, aimed squarely at transgender Albertans, cruised through its final readings after the UCP used its majority to cap debate at one hour per stage, apparently deciding democracy works best when rushed like a midnight term paper. Premier Danielle Smith was notably absent for the 2:20 a.m. vote, though her caucus compensated by pounding their desks so loudly one MLA reportedly mistook it for a fire drill.
The legislation bundles three laws policing school names and pronouns, banning transgender girls from amateur female sports, and restricting gender-affirming care for youth under 16 – including puberty blockers.
NDP critic Kathleen Ganley called the government’s spree “offensive to the rule of law,” adding that no one imagined the notwithstanding clause would be used like a Costco bulk-buy item.
