The Alberta government's Bill 28, which imposes restrictions on public libraries, is a solution to an imaginary problem that risks real harm to intellectual freedom and municipal autonomy, writes columnist Keith Gerein.
A Pattern of Interference
Gerein notes that the United Conservative Party (UCP) government has a history of meddling in municipal matters, from photo radar to bike lanes, and now libraries. He argues that Bill 28 is another example of unnecessary overreach.
Bill 28's Dubious Provisions
While the bill includes some positive transparency measures, such as requiring timely information requests and a public 'sunshine list' of high-salaried employees, it also contains problematic overreach. Gerein criticizes the government for drowning municipalities in red tape rather than cutting it.
Library Restrictions
The library provisions, initially rumored to apply only to libraries co-located with schools, actually apply to all public libraries. The government justifies this as protecting children from sexual content, using a graphic novel as an example. Municipal Affairs Minister Dan Williams questioned whether it is appropriate for seven-year-olds to access pornography.
However, Gerein argues that this raises questions about who decides what is art versus smut and what process is used. He suggests the government is solving a problem that does not exist, risking censorship and undermining intellectual freedom.
Conclusion
Gerein calls on Premier Danielle Smith to stop unnecessary interference in municipal affairs, warning that Bill 28 threatens core principles of library access and local governance.
