Premier Smith promises to review professional regulators, legislate limits

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her government will review professional regulatory bodies and introduce legislation next year to limit how they can police their own members.

In a social media video, Smith says it’s not appropriate for the government or any professional associations to compel Albertans to “some official version of truth.”

Justice Minister Mickey Amery says many professionals have been investigated or disciplined for expressing political or policy opinions outside of their professional practice.

Amery is also pointing to psychologist and media personality Jordan Peterson, who was directed by the College of Psychologists of Ontario to undergo training after complaints about his online commentary.

Associations and colleges set standards for their members, including doctors, lawyers, psychologists and engineers, and discipline those who don’t meet those standards.

Smith says Albertans need to have confidence in the competence and ethical practice of regulated professionals, but those professionals should also have freedom to express personal views, especially outside their jobs.