Smith noncommittal on overriding Charter as court challenge looms over trans bills

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.