Alberta's Premier Danielle Smith has introduced a new law aimed at safeguarding the free speech of regulated professionals. The legislation, known as the Regulated Professions Neutrality Act, has been informally dubbed "Peterson's Law" after psychologist Dr. Jordan Peterson, who faced disciplinary action for his political comments made outside of his professional duties.

The law comes in response to concerns that professionals in Canada, including nurses and psychologists, are being punished for expressing their personal views. Amy Hamm, a nurse from British Columbia, shared her experience of facing potential job loss and legal challenges for her political opinions. She noted that many professionals have encountered similar situations, where their off-duty speech has led to repercussions from regulatory bodies.

Peterson, who has been vocal about his experiences, stated that he left Canada partly due to what he described as "the prejudice, ideologically-motivated shenanigans, false morality and petty power mongering" of the regulatory body overseeing his profession. Hamm echoed these sentiments, arguing that regulators should not have the authority to discipline professionals for their personal opinions expressed outside of work.

In a recent news conference, Smith emphasized the importance of free speech for professionals, stating, "No professional should fear losing their license, their reputation, or their livelihood because of a personal opinion, a social media post, an interview, or open dialogue outside of working hours." The new law includes exceptions for threats of violence, hate speech, and sexual misconduct, which Smith described as reasonable.

Hamm expressed her support for the legislation, stating that it is crucial for professionals to engage in open dialogue and share their thoughts without fear of retribution. She highlighted the negative impact of a culture of self-censorship, arguing that it stifles progress and democracy.

The introduction of this law has sparked discussions about the role of regulatory bodies in Canada and their approach to managing the speech of professionals. Hamm criticized the selective enforcement of regulations, noting that only those who express dissenting views seem to face punishment, while others who align with the prevailing ideology are often exempt.

As the debate continues, Hamm advocates for similar legislation to be adopted across Canada, emphasizing that the suppression of free expression poses a significant risk to the integrity of various professions. She warned that a climate of fear and conformity could lead to stagnation in both scientific and public discourse, ultimately harming society as a whole.

The Regulated Professions Neutrality Act has passed its first reading in the Alberta legislature, marking a significant step toward protecting the rights of professionals to express their views freely. Hamm and others hope that this law will inspire similar measures in other provinces, fostering an environment where diverse ideas can be shared and debated openly.