Smith noncommittal on overriding Charter [Video]

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she doesn’t believe she’ll need to invoke the Charter’s notwithstanding clause to shield her government’s three transgender bills from legal challenges.

The bills passed third and final reading in the legislature this week and are set to become law. Two LGBTQ+ advocate organizations — Egale Canada and Skipping Stone Foundation — say they plan to file a legal challenge.

It’s anticipated the challenge will be on grounds the bills violate Charter rights, including equality rights.

“I don’t want to prejudge the court,” Smith told reporters at an unrelated news conference Wednesday when asked if she would use the notwithstanding clause.

“We will put forward a robust case — that this (legislation) is reasonable in a free, democratic society, that it’s evidence based, and that we’re protecting children and their right to be able to make adult decisions as adults.”

One bill would require children under …