Clare’s Legacy Travels to Alberta: Undesired Consequences and Repercussions of Bill 17

Abstract

This paper explores the proposed legislation entitled “Clare’s Law” which will be implemented in Alberta in June of 2020. Clare’s Law has been used as a response to the alarming reported rates of domestic violence around the world. Clare Wood was a woman who was killed by her ex-partner; she contacted the police numerous times over an extended period of time but was never assisted. Clare’s Law provides individuals with the right to know and the right to ask. This will allow concerned individuals to inquire about the criminal records of one’s partner. Furthermore, it requires emergency responders to inform individuals of one’s criminal history if it pertains to domestic violence. Premier Jason Kenney is addressing the alarming reported rates of domestic violence by enacting Clare’s Law in Alberta. This paper explores the benefits and concerns surrounding the implementation of such legislation. Clare’s Law may provide individuals with awareness of their partners criminal history regarding domestic violence, however this paper’s main argument is that Clare’s Law will not be effective and will cause more harm than good. The Law does not increase services, shelters or support for victims of violence. Furthermore, it may provoke victim blaming and it assumes accountability by police services and judicial systems that have continually failed victims. This paper is significant due to the significant rate of domestic violence in Alberta. This paper states that incidences of domestic violence will not improve because of Clare’s Law and could make situations worse for victims of domestic violence.