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Tuesday, April 28, 2009
New legislation would add sexual orientation and parental rights to Alberta's human rights act
The Alberta government today tabled proposed changes to the Human Rights, Citizenship and Multiculturalism Amendment Act that would increase the power and scope of the province's controversial human rights laws.
"Last year, I promised to review every facet of our province’s human rights system to make it more efficient, effective and transparent for Albertans,” said Lindsay Blackett, Minister of Culture and Community Spirit. “Alberta’s population has grown in size and cultural diversity, and these improvements will help ensure the Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission is better equipped to meet the priorities and needs of that changing population.”
The Human Rights, Citizenship and Multiculturalism Amendment Act, 2009 will update legislation that has not been revised in the almost 13 years since it first became law. Proposed changes include adding sexual orientation to the scope of the Act, which will ensure it is consistent with current legislative and judicial decisions. The rights of parents on the education of their children would also be confirmed under proposed amendments.
Amendments will also clarify the Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission’s role and will establish a new process to improve the handling of appeals as they arise, by ensuring they are directed to members of a Tribunal.
According to the province, the proposed legislative amendments complement several administrative changes being made to the Commission to reduce the time it takes to review a complaint, and to improve its "services to Albertans." These changes are supported through an additional $1.7 million to the Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission in Budget 2009 - an increase of 26 per cent - to enhance the system’s ability to investigate and mediate complaints in a timely manner.
Posted by Matthew Johnston
Posted by westernstandard on April 28, 2009 | Permalink
Comments
I guess they didn't get the memo...
Posted by: K Stricker | 2009-04-28 3:35:51 PM
Wow! only 1.7 million for such wonderful "improvements"? How much would it take to make them go away completely? Now THAT would be an improvement. Oh well, looks like more socialism on the way. Its kind of like the Keynsian economy...or a balloon...sooner or later its going to blow up.
Posted by: JC | 2009-04-28 3:49:26 PM
The NEW and IMPROVED Alberta Human Rights Commission!"
Now Railroading Albertans Even Faster! Guaranteed Rulings Within 2 Years Or Your Paperwork Back!
Get yours soon.
Posted by: BoomNoZoom | 2009-04-28 6:00:51 PM
I told you all so.
I've been predicting that the Alberta Tories would leave Section 3 alone for monthes now, AND I WAS RIGHT! AND EVERYONE ELSE WAS WRONG!
I thought though that the price would be the gay rights stuff, and kudos to Mr. Stelmach for proving me incorrect on that count.
Now as long as there are no handouts to Creationists, we're in the clear...
Posted by: bigcitylib | 2009-04-28 6:28:01 PM
bigcitylib
Your post reminds me of Vriend's initial comment after the Vriend Decision.
"HA HA I won!
Posted by: BoomNoZoom | 2009-04-28 6:42:13 PM
can we watch the commission at work on Cable TV ?
can we look at official documents on a website ?
can we vote on decisions made by the commissions ?
Posted by: 419 | 2009-04-28 8:22:08 PM
"Lindsay Blackett, Minister of Culture and Community Spirit."
The title alone scares the hell out of me. Is our tax money really paying for this bullshit ??.
No wonder this country is going to hell.
Posted by: peterj | 2009-04-28 11:35:00 PM
Minister of Community Spirit? Which one is she: a priest or a bartender?
Those are the only ministers of spirit I respect :-)
(Yes, I know that was terrible.)
Posted by: Terrence Watson | 2009-04-29 12:33:33 AM
What's worse is I just realized Lindsay is a man. In my defense, when I hear "community spirit" I think "cheerleader."
Posted by: Terrence Watson | 2009-04-29 12:36:58 AM
It's a he, not a she, Terrence.
Posted by: Matthew Johnston | 2009-04-29 12:37:58 AM
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