Artifact #1: Alberta Sexual Sterilization Act Legislation of 1928 – Appointment by the Queen

The Sexual Sterilization Act, SA 1928, c 37, https://canlii.ca/t/9j4s

Presented is the legislative document of the Sexual Sterilization Act directly from the court of the Queen’s Bench with online access. The sexual sterilization act, created on March 21, 1928, with Queen’s approval. The Sterilization Act legislation presented demonstrates how the Canadian government worked with the Queen’s bench to establish legislation which acts on the appointment of the eugenics board to determine if individuals who have a mental disability should be sterilized to protect disability in future generations.

The Alberta Sexual Sterilization Act is one of the first Canadian pieces of legislation directly aimed at individuals with mental disabilities and individuals who were institutionalized. Having four distinct parts such as, the Eugenics board appointment, specifics on sterilization of candidates, requirements for sterilization and physicians and surgeons able to perform these acts, the Sterilization act is a long-lasting act which created ripple effects for future generations and detrimental effects of governmental abuse of power.

Kersten, Luke, “Alberta passes Sexual Sterilization Act,” Eugenics Archive. December 4, 2024, https://www.eugenicsarchive.ca/timeline?id=5172e81ceed5c6000000001d