Jennifer Koshan
@jenniferkoshan.bsky.social
Law Prof @UCalgaryLaw, Research Excellence Chair in Family Violence @UCalgary, Blogger @ABlawg. She/her. Feminist. Equality and Human Rights. All opinions are my own.
Just saw this important film today. Thanks to the Calgary Underground Film Festival, Calgary Public Library and Justice Film Society for bringing the documentary to Calgary. Hug a librarian today, they are on the front lines of the ideological battleground that is book bans. 💜
The documentary film "The Librarians" is brilliant, horrifying, infuriating and motivating in equal measure. Danielle "Cruelty" Smith and her band of hollow men are trying to bring the American extremist book banning agenda to Alberta. Time to send them packing.
thelibrariansfilm.com
thelibrariansfilm.com
The Librarians Film | Official Site
Librarians under siege join forces as unlikely defenders fighting on the frontlines of democracy
thelibrariansfilm.com
November 23, 2025 at 10:39 PM
Just saw this important film today. Thanks to the Calgary Underground Film Festival, Calgary Public Library and Justice Film Society for bringing the documentary to Calgary. Hug a librarian today, they are on the front lines of the ideological battleground that is book bans. 💜
Reposted by Jennifer Koshan
“Allusions to scientific evidence are hard to swallow from a caucus that has more MLAs who compared trans children to excrement than who have medical degrees.”
Opinion: UCP use of notwithstanding clause an insult to Albertans
Opinion: UCP use of notwithstanding clause an insult to Albertans
calgaryherald.com
November 23, 2025 at 4:39 AM
“Allusions to scientific evidence are hard to swallow from a caucus that has more MLAs who compared trans children to excrement than who have medical degrees.”
Thousands of folks at the MacDougall Centre saying No to Notwithstanding on Trans Day of Remembrance 🩵🩷🤍
November 21, 2025 at 1:12 AM
Thousands of folks at the MacDougall Centre saying No to Notwithstanding on Trans Day of Remembrance 🩵🩷🤍
Freedom of expression for me but not thee. Bill 13 read next to Bills 2 and 9 leaves no doubt that this is an ideological rampage the UCP is on. #abpoli #ableg
The Peterson law 🥴
"(Premier) Smith is calling it Alberta's "Peterson law," after the Ontario psychologist and social media personality Jordan Peterson, who was sanctioned by his province's professional regulator for controversial public statements.
ca.news.yahoo.com/alberta-tabl...
ca.news.yahoo.com/alberta-tabl...
November 20, 2025 at 10:53 PM
Reposted by Jennifer Koshan
A rally against Bill 9 and the use of the Notwithstanding Clause by the Alberta government is being organized by Queer Citizens United in Calgary.
Tomorrow - Thursday, November 20
5 - 7 PM
McDougall Center (455 6 St SW, Calgary)
www.instagram.com/p/DRNqzbTEhDI/
Tomorrow - Thursday, November 20
5 - 7 PM
McDougall Center (455 6 St SW, Calgary)
www.instagram.com/p/DRNqzbTEhDI/
November 19, 2025 at 8:56 PM
A rally against Bill 9 and the use of the Notwithstanding Clause by the Alberta government is being organized by Queer Citizens United in Calgary.
Tomorrow - Thursday, November 20
5 - 7 PM
McDougall Center (455 6 St SW, Calgary)
www.instagram.com/p/DRNqzbTEhDI/
Tomorrow - Thursday, November 20
5 - 7 PM
McDougall Center (455 6 St SW, Calgary)
www.instagram.com/p/DRNqzbTEhDI/
Reposted by Jennifer Koshan
That the Alberta Govt invoked the notwithstanding clause for this during Transgender Awareness Week is the chef’s kiss of cruelty. Please support Skipping Stone’s legal fund
One of the “activist” groups the premier refers to is the Canadian Medical Assn. The other two, Egale + Skipping Stone, backed up their injunction claim with reams of medical and other evidence. Evidence that the gov’t itself is lacking. The UCP is the real activist here. ablawg.ca/2025/11/19/t...
November 20, 2025 at 1:32 PM
That the Alberta Govt invoked the notwithstanding clause for this during Transgender Awareness Week is the chef’s kiss of cruelty. Please support Skipping Stone’s legal fund
One of the “activist” groups the premier refers to is the Canadian Medical Assn. The other two, Egale + Skipping Stone, backed up their injunction claim with reams of medical and other evidence. Evidence that the gov’t itself is lacking. The UCP is the real activist here. ablawg.ca/2025/11/19/t...
November 20, 2025 at 1:00 PM
One of the “activist” groups the premier refers to is the Canadian Medical Assn. The other two, Egale + Skipping Stone, backed up their injunction claim with reams of medical and other evidence. Evidence that the gov’t itself is lacking. The UCP is the real activist here. ablawg.ca/2025/11/19/t...
Reposted by Jennifer Koshan
Want to know what trans youth really want and need? Read our report, which is the most comprehensive research conducted in Alberta.
Making legislative changes without actually consulting with the young people most impacted in immoral & unethical.
www.macewan.ca/c/documents/...
Making legislative changes without actually consulting with the young people most impacted in immoral & unethical.
www.macewan.ca/c/documents/...
November 20, 2025 at 5:19 AM
Want to know what trans youth really want and need? Read our report, which is the most comprehensive research conducted in Alberta.
Making legislative changes without actually consulting with the young people most impacted in immoral & unethical.
www.macewan.ca/c/documents/...
Making legislative changes without actually consulting with the young people most impacted in immoral & unethical.
www.macewan.ca/c/documents/...
Reposted by Jennifer Koshan
Invoking the Charter's notwithstanding clause means the UCP are trying to avoid justifying their ban as a reasonable limit under s 1 of the Charter, even as they claim they are taking an evidence-based approach to protecting trans & gender diverse youth.
Can't back that claim up, premier?
#abpoli
Can't back that claim up, premier?
#abpoli
This post details what's at stake in the UCP's invocation of the Charter's notwithstanding clause to override the rights of trans and gender diverse youth. The government had other options, and to use the nuclear option of s 33 calls into question its confidence in its ability to justify its laws.
New Post: The Nuclear Option: An Update on Alberta’s Legislation Targeting Trans and Gender Diverse Youth
ablawg.ca/2025/11/19...…er-diverse-youth/
ablawg.ca/2025/11/19...…er-diverse-youth/
November 20, 2025 at 1:38 AM
Invoking the Charter's notwithstanding clause means the UCP are trying to avoid justifying their ban as a reasonable limit under s 1 of the Charter, even as they claim they are taking an evidence-based approach to protecting trans & gender diverse youth.
Can't back that claim up, premier?
#abpoli
Can't back that claim up, premier?
#abpoli
This post details what's at stake in the UCP's invocation of the Charter's notwithstanding clause to override the rights of trans and gender diverse youth. The government had other options, and to use the nuclear option of s 33 calls into question its confidence in its ability to justify its laws.
New Post: The Nuclear Option: An Update on Alberta’s Legislation Targeting Trans and Gender Diverse Youth
ablawg.ca/2025/11/19...…er-diverse-youth/
ablawg.ca/2025/11/19...…er-diverse-youth/
The Nuclear Option: An Update on Alberta’s Legislation Targeting Trans and Gender Diverse Youth
By: Jennifer Koshan Case and Bill Commented On: Egale Canada v Alberta, 2025 ABKB 394 (CanLII); Bill 9, Protecting Alberta’s Children Statutes Amendment Act, 2025, 2nd Session, 31st Legislature PD…
ablawg.ca
November 19, 2025 at 5:21 PM
This post details what's at stake in the UCP's invocation of the Charter's notwithstanding clause to override the rights of trans and gender diverse youth. The government had other options, and to use the nuclear option of s 33 calls into question its confidence in its ability to justify its laws.
Harmful and inaccurate. Bill 29, the Fairness and Safety in Sport Act, applies to adult athletes too (those who are trans or suspected of being ‘not female at birth’). Bills 26, 27 & 29 have inconsistent objectives (parental rights! no parental rights!) and are as chaotic as the rollout of Bill 9.
This alleged protection for children is harmful discourse. And I wish people would stop enabling those who use it, normalizing this insidious language. @cherylanneo.bsky.social .
We know they don’t care about kids, especially do they are disabled or in public schools.
We know they don’t care about kids, especially do they are disabled or in public schools.
November 19, 2025 at 1:22 AM
Harmful and inaccurate. Bill 29, the Fairness and Safety in Sport Act, applies to adult athletes too (those who are trans or suspected of being ‘not female at birth’). Bills 26, 27 & 29 have inconsistent objectives (parental rights! no parental rights!) and are as chaotic as the rollout of Bill 9.
First Monday, then Wednesday, but Tuesday was the day the UCP invoked s 33 to override the rights of trans + gender diverse youth. If it really believed it had strong evidence to “protect” youth it would have used s 1 of the Charter in ongoing litigation. Watch for my @ablawg.bsky.social post tmrw.
The Bill that will invoke the s 33 notwithstanding clause in relation to legislation restricting the rights of trans and gender diverse youth was not introduced today. The UCP also appeared to have their supporters on this issue in the Leg today, so this is a bit of a mystery. Anyone know why?
There are trans folks and allies being introduced in the gallery, so it appears that the speculation about a Bill being introduced that will invoke the notwithstanding clause to override the rights of trans and gender diverse youth was accurate. To be continued...
November 19, 2025 at 12:36 AM
First Monday, then Wednesday, but Tuesday was the day the UCP invoked s 33 to override the rights of trans + gender diverse youth. If it really believed it had strong evidence to “protect” youth it would have used s 1 of the Charter in ongoing litigation. Watch for my @ablawg.bsky.social post tmrw.
Reposted by Jennifer Koshan
Wondering why the UCP is waiting until Wednesday to strip trans rights using the notwithstanding clause?
The Auditor General is releasing his report into the Dynalife fiasco on Wednesday. www.oag.ab.ca/news-section...
They don't think Albertans can chew gum and walk at the same time.
The Auditor General is releasing his report into the Dynalife fiasco on Wednesday. www.oag.ab.ca/news-section...
They don't think Albertans can chew gum and walk at the same time.
November 18, 2025 at 2:40 AM
Wondering why the UCP is waiting until Wednesday to strip trans rights using the notwithstanding clause?
The Auditor General is releasing his report into the Dynalife fiasco on Wednesday. www.oag.ab.ca/news-section...
They don't think Albertans can chew gum and walk at the same time.
The Auditor General is releasing his report into the Dynalife fiasco on Wednesday. www.oag.ab.ca/news-section...
They don't think Albertans can chew gum and walk at the same time.
And here we have a possible explanation for the delay. Seems Wednesday is the day: bsky.app/profile/theb...
The Bill that will invoke the s 33 notwithstanding clause in relation to legislation restricting the rights of trans and gender diverse youth was not introduced today. The UCP also appeared to have their supporters on this issue in the Leg today, so this is a bit of a mystery. Anyone know why?
There are trans folks and allies being introduced in the gallery, so it appears that the speculation about a Bill being introduced that will invoke the notwithstanding clause to override the rights of trans and gender diverse youth was accurate. To be continued...
November 18, 2025 at 2:44 AM
And here we have a possible explanation for the delay. Seems Wednesday is the day: bsky.app/profile/theb...
The Bill that will invoke the s 33 notwithstanding clause in relation to legislation restricting the rights of trans and gender diverse youth was not introduced today. The UCP also appeared to have their supporters on this issue in the Leg today, so this is a bit of a mystery. Anyone know why?
There are trans folks and allies being introduced in the gallery, so it appears that the speculation about a Bill being introduced that will invoke the notwithstanding clause to override the rights of trans and gender diverse youth was accurate. To be continued...
Watching the Alberta Legislative Assembly live online. How did I not know it begins with a prayer to "Our Lord"? And the speaker almost forgot to read the land acknowledgement, to which he claimed "my bad." 😐
November 17, 2025 at 11:09 PM
The Bill that will invoke the s 33 notwithstanding clause in relation to legislation restricting the rights of trans and gender diverse youth was not introduced today. The UCP also appeared to have their supporters on this issue in the Leg today, so this is a bit of a mystery. Anyone know why?
There are trans folks and allies being introduced in the gallery, so it appears that the speculation about a Bill being introduced that will invoke the notwithstanding clause to override the rights of trans and gender diverse youth was accurate. To be continued...
Watching the Alberta Legislative Assembly live online. How did I not know it begins with a prayer to "Our Lord"? And the speaker almost forgot to read the land acknowledgement, to which he claimed "my bad." 😐
November 17, 2025 at 8:43 PM
There are trans folks and allies being introduced in the gallery, so it appears that the speculation about a Bill being introduced that will invoke the notwithstanding clause to override the rights of trans and gender diverse youth was accurate. To be continued...
Watching the Alberta Legislative Assembly live online. How did I not know it begins with a prayer to "Our Lord"? And the speaker almost forgot to read the land acknowledgement, to which he claimed "my bad." 😐
November 17, 2025 at 8:34 PM
Watching the Alberta Legislative Assembly live online. How did I not know it begins with a prayer to "Our Lord"? And the speaker almost forgot to read the land acknowledgement, to which he claimed "my bad." 😐
There is speculation the UCP will invoke the notwithstanding clause tomorrow for its 3 laws restricting the rights of trans and gender diverse youth. This requires legislative amendment so will need to be voted on by the Leg. It is Transgender Awareness Week and this timing is beyond shameful.
@jenniferkoshan.bsky.social Jennifer this is correct I think. Smith is using the Notwithstanding Clause again. I wanted to check with the expert!
Is Danielle Smith using the Notwithstanding Clause a second time?!?!?!
November 16, 2025 at 5:53 PM
There is speculation the UCP will invoke the notwithstanding clause tomorrow for its 3 laws restricting the rights of trans and gender diverse youth. This requires legislative amendment so will need to be voted on by the Leg. It is Transgender Awareness Week and this timing is beyond shameful.
We are coming up on our year in review on @ablawg.bsky.social and here we see @davevwright.bsky.social making a play for best title of the year.
PONIs or PHONIs? My latest ABlawg post on the subject of where things stand following yesterday's announcement of the second tranche of "major projects" / PONIs. And an imperfect glossary to try to make sense of the odd mix of terminology circulating.
New Post: Major Projects and the Building Canada Act: New list of PONIs or PHONIs?
ablawg.ca/2025/11/14...…-ponis-or-phonis/
ablawg.ca/2025/11/14...…-ponis-or-phonis/
November 14, 2025 at 10:49 PM
We are coming up on our year in review on @ablawg.bsky.social and here we see @davevwright.bsky.social making a play for best title of the year.
Reposted by Jennifer Koshan
Important post from my @ucalgary.bsky.social law colleague David Wright. #cdnpoli
New Post: Major Projects and the Building Canada Act: New list of PONIs or PHONIs?
ablawg.ca/2025/11/14...…-ponis-or-phonis/
ablawg.ca/2025/11/14...…-ponis-or-phonis/
Major Projects and the Building Canada Act: New list of PONIs or PHONIs?
By: David V. Wright Matter Commented On: Building Canada Act, SC 2025, c 2, s 4 PDF Version: Major Projects and the Building Canada Act: New list of PONIs or PHONIs? This week, Prime Minister Carn…
ablawg.ca
November 14, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Important post from my @ucalgary.bsky.social law colleague David Wright. #cdnpoli
On this 1st day of Trans Awareness week, here is a list of resources from our faculty providing legal analysis of anti-trans laws/policies (looking at you AB & SK). These resources are produced by allies, and it is also crucial to listen to voices from trans communities:
egale.ca/egale-in-act...
egale.ca/egale-in-act...
Trans Awareness Week 2025 - Egale Canada
Every March 31st, the trans community and allies come together to observe Trans Day Of Visibility (TDOV)
egale.ca
November 13, 2025 at 6:29 PM
On this 1st day of Trans Awareness week, here is a list of resources from our faculty providing legal analysis of anti-trans laws/policies (looking at you AB & SK). These resources are produced by allies, and it is also crucial to listen to voices from trans communities:
egale.ca/egale-in-act...
egale.ca/egale-in-act...
Also, “what might happen when a government sees every challenge as a nail, and loves the hammer it holds in its hand.” Actually, loves the sledgehammer (of s 33) is even more apt.
This stood out from David King's excellent op-ed on s33: "the current government is ... dispirited — deeply unhappy with its situation and unable to find any path to joy in serving the people of Alberta." The idea of finding joy in public service...
calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
Opinion: Notwithstanding clause never meant to be used to benefit the government
Dave King was was there when clause was born in Alberta cabinet. It was never meant to be used for the benefit of the government itself.
calgaryherald.com
November 11, 2025 at 12:34 AM
Also, “what might happen when a government sees every challenge as a nail, and loves the hammer it holds in its hand.” Actually, loves the sledgehammer (of s 33) is even more apt.
While the motion to expedite the leave application was granted, the UR Pride case will be heard separately from English Montreal School Board v AG Quebec. Seems a little surprising given the similarity of the S 33 issue, but the Bill 21 case must march on I guess
decisions.scc-csc.ca/scc-csc/scc-...
decisions.scc-csc.ca/scc-csc/scc-...
November 6, 2025 at 4:05 PM
While the motion to expedite the leave application was granted, the UR Pride case will be heard separately from English Montreal School Board v AG Quebec. Seems a little surprising given the similarity of the S 33 issue, but the Bill 21 case must march on I guess
decisions.scc-csc.ca/scc-csc/scc-...
decisions.scc-csc.ca/scc-csc/scc-...
Having fought an ATI request for my research I learned more about this than I ever wanted to know. Research is exempted from disclosure in AB and other provinces based on academic freedom. Federally the ATIA has some protection for research. But that can be overridden by Parliamentary privilege? 🤯
November 3, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Having fought an ATI request for my research I learned more about this than I ever wanted to know. Research is exempted from disclosure in AB and other provinces based on academic freedom. Federally the ATIA has some protection for research. But that can be overridden by Parliamentary privilege? 🤯
Not happy about this at all. But can we please stop calling it child porn? If a short form is needed, how about CSAEM (child sexual abuse + exploitation material)? True, the SCC was dealing with the offence of child pornography before it was amended to CSAEM, but "porn" unnecessarily diminishes it.
Alberta's Smith (and Ontario’s Ford) calls on Ottawa to use notwithstanding clause over child porn ruling
From me today:
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/prairies_bc/...
From me today:
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/prairies_bc/...
Alberta's Smith calls on Ottawa to use notwithstanding clause over child porn ruling
EDMONTON - Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is calling on the federal government to invoke the Charter's notwithstanding clause to overturn a new Supreme Court ruling on child pornography.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
November 1, 2025 at 9:05 AM
Not happy about this at all. But can we please stop calling it child porn? If a short form is needed, how about CSAEM (child sexual abuse + exploitation material)? True, the SCC was dealing with the offence of child pornography before it was amended to CSAEM, but "porn" unnecessarily diminishes it.