Alberta looks to use notwithstanding clause on its 3 transgender laws: memo

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's office has directed officials to invoke the Charter's notwithstanding clause in amending three laws that affect transgender people, says a leaked government memo obtained by The Canadian Press.

The internal document sent Sept. 10 by the justice department asks other departments to assemble information as per a directive from Smith's office to invoke the clause.

"As you are aware, the premier's office has directed that legislation be developed for the fall legislative session to amend the following pieces of legislation to permit each to operate notwithstanding the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Alberta Bill of Rights," says the memo from Malcolm Lavoie, deputy minister of justice.

"This legislative initiative is highly sensitive and shou