A graphic with a bold yellow and purple warning sign at the top featuring a Lego-style figure on a wrecking ball. Text reads: "Human Tissue and Organ Donation Repeal Act (Bill 17, 2023). Alberta had presumed consent for organ donation. That meant you were a donor unless you opted out—a proven model used in countries with higher donation rates. The UCP repealed it quietly, without consulting health experts or launching a public campaign. No alternative proposed. Just… deleted. The result? Fewer donations, longer waitlists, more preventable deaths. Why it matters: Directly reduces organ donation rates and harms public health outcomes." At the bottom, text in a purple box reads: "Danielle Smith’s Legislative Wrecking Ball – Part of Human Rights & Civil Liberties – Series Bills 17, 53. Research and text by Chris @skipischris.bsky.social – Design by Hazel
A graphic with a bold yellow and purple warning sign at the top featuring a Lego-style figure on a wrecking ball. Text reads: "Compassionate Intervention Act (Bill 53, 2025). This bill allows for involuntary treatment of people with addictions. Critics include the Alberta Medical Association, the Canadian Mental Health Association, and nearly every addiction specialist familiar with trauma survivors. Concerns include medical ethics, human rights, racialized enforcement, and the real risk of re-traumatizing vulnerable people. The government insists it will be rare. That reassurance is unlikely to provide the comfort they intend. Why it matters: Threatens human rights and risks further traumatizing vulnerable populations." At the bottom, text in a purple box reads: "Danielle Smith’s Legislative Wrecking Ball – Part of Human Rights & Civil Liberties – Series Bills 17, 53. Research and text by Chris @skipischris.bsky.social – Design by Hazel
Bills 17 and 53 in the Human Rights & Civil Liberties series reveal a troubling erosion of rights in Alberta: from removing presumed consent for organ donation to allowing involuntary addiction treatment. Research by Chris (@skipischris.bsky.social). #ableg #HumanRights #Bill17 #Bill53 #ABpoli