Should Professional Regulators Limit Members' Personal Expression?

Official title: Regulated professions engagement

Closed Legislation Economy & Jobs Justice & Rights
Alberta reviewed whether professional regulatory bodies were overstepping their authority—specifically, whether they were limiting members' freedom of expression or requiring training unrelated to professional competence. The government heard concerns that some regulators were going too far. This led to new legislation setting boundaries on what regulators can and can't do.

Why This Matters

Are you a nurse, engineer, teacher, or other regulated professional in Alberta? This affects what your professional body can require of you. Some professionals felt their regulators were policing personal opinions expressed outside of work. If you've ever worried about speaking your mind on social media or in your community, this is about you.

What Could Change

The Regulated Professions Neutrality Act passed in December 2024. Once in effect, it will set overarching principles limiting what professional regulators can require of members. Regulators may no longer be able to discipline members for personal opinions expressed outside their professional role, or mandate training unrelated to professional competence.

Key Issues

  • Are professional regulatory bodies overstepping their authority?
  • Should regulators be able to limit members' personal expression outside of work?
  • Should mandatory training be limited to professional competence and ethics?

What Happened

The review was conducted in fall 2024. Bill 13, the Regulated Professions Neutrality Act, was introduced November 20, 2025, received Royal Assent December 11, and will take effect at a later date. The Act sets overarching principles for how professional regulatory bodies regulate their members.

View Final Decision

Key Documents