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Freedom to Gather: Building Community Through Assembly

Alberta Community Philosophy

"Real freedom includes the right to come together - and not just for hockey games and stampedes."

Call Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety Email Minister about Assembly Rights

Call Dan Williams, Minister of Municipal Affairs Email Minister about Community Spaces

Why Gathering Matters

In an age of digital isolation and social distancing, the freedom to gather has never been more important. It's about more than just meeting up - it's about building the foundations of community action and social change.

The Power of Assembly

Key Benefits of Gathering

  • Building real-world connections
  • Sharing ideas face-to-face
  • Creating community resilience
  • Organizing for change
  • Celebrating diversity
  • Supporting local culture

Types of Gatherings

Community Gatherings

  • Town halls and community meetings
  • Cultural celebrations
  • Block parties and street festivals
  • Community gardens
  • Mutual aid networks

Political Assembly

  • Peaceful protests
  • Community organizing meetings
  • Public forums
  • Citizen committees

Remember

Freedom to gather comes with responsibility. Respect others, respect spaces, and remember that peaceful assembly is the key.

Creating Safe Spaces

Best Practices

  • Ensure accessibility for all
  • Provide inclusive facilities
  • Consider safety measures
  • Respect noise ordinances
  • Have clear communication channels
  • Plan for emergencies

The Impact of Gathering

When communities gather: - Ideas spread - Movements grow - Change happens - Democracy strengthens - Culture thrives

Get Started

Want to organize a gathering? Start small, think inclusive, and remember: every great movement started with people simply coming together.

Sources & Evidence

Assembly Rights in Alberta

  • The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects freedom of peaceful assembly (Section 2(c))
  • Municipal bylaws can regulate but not prohibit peaceful gatherings
  • Police must balance public safety with assembly rights
  • Source: Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Public Space Access

  • Community hall and recreation centre fees have increased in many municipalities
  • Public library meeting room access has been reduced due to funding cuts
  • Parks and public spaces face increasing restrictions
  • Source: Federation of Canadian Municipalities

Protest Rights

  • Alberta's Critical Infrastructure Defence Act (2020) created new restrictions on protests near infrastructure
  • Environmental and Indigenous rights protesters face enhanced penalties
  • Police kettling and mass arrest tactics have been used against peaceful protesters
  • Source: Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre

Community Organizing

  • Labour organizing faces challenges under Alberta's employment laws
  • Non-profit organizations face increased reporting requirements
  • Charitable status rules limit political advocacy
  • Source: Muttart Foundation - Non-Profit Sector Research

Digital Gathering Alternatives

  • Rural broadband gaps limit virtual gathering options for many communities
  • Digital divide affects participation in online town halls and consultations
  • Privacy concerns exist around government monitoring of online organizing
  • Source: Canadian Internet Registration Authority

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