April 21, 2026
The WGA stands with the Coalition of Alberta’s Public Libraries (CAP Libraries) in condemning Bill 28, an act that seeks to amend Alberta’s Libraries Act in order to restrict Albertans’ access to library materials and services the government deems “inappropriate.”
As did the ministerial order regarding school libraries, this unnecessary piece of legislation has the potential to have far-reaching impacts that represent an unjustified restriction on every Albertan’s constitutional right to intellectual freedom and freedom of expression. With Bill 28, the minister has given the government unlimited power to decide what books, materials, information, and services Albertans and their children can access in our public libraries. This is an indefensible assault on Albertans’ basic democratic rights, not to mention an assault on the Libraries Act (one of the first acts enacted in Alberta), the independence of local library boards, and the professionalism of librarians.
Censorship has wide-spread chilling effects. Its purpose is to create distrust for the very things that enable individuals to think, learn, and decide for themselves—to live, in other words, as freely as possible. Throughout history, writings of all kinds, from novels and poems to essays and pamphlets, have frequently been declared too dangerous to freely circulate, precisely because they help readers to see and imagine themselves and the world differently. As writers, we know that writing and reading empowers and that censorship disempowers and silences.
As the representative voice of writers in Alberta, the WGA continues to stand against the growing movement toward censorship in our province. We urge all Albertans to join with us in supporting the efforts of CAP Libraries and voice your concerns. Visit Stand Up for Alberta’s Libraries for more information on how you can take action.
– Writers’ Guild of Alberta Board of Directors
Additional Resources:
Bill 28 in the News
Read more about Bill 28 on the CBC, CTV News, and the full text of the 2026 Bill 28‘s amendments to the Libraries Act.
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Campaign from the Kids Literacy Collective
Across the province, organizations and advocates are working to bring awareness and encourage action. Starting April 23, 2026 you can share in a joyful rebellion by sharing a selfie or share a video with a book you’ve written or love with the hashtags #fREADdom and #thisbookwontburn. Tag @kidsliteracycollective.
Indie Bookstore Day
Support your local independent bookstores for this year’s Canadian Independent Bookstore Day (CIBD), taking place on April 25, 2026.
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