Sask. and now Alberta calling on other provinces to stop sex offenders from changing their names

On Wednesday, Alberta joined Saskatchewan with legislation changes to stop sex offenders from changing their names, and now both want the rest of Canada to do the same.

Saskatchewan made its legislative changes in February.

“We’re pleased when other provinces are doing it as well, and I commend Alberta for following our lead,” said Sask. Justice Minister Don Morgan.

Morgan said they want the changes to spread to the rest of Canada so an offender can’t change their name in one province without the law, and then move to another that has it.

“We think it’s an appropriate thing to do to ensure that a person can’t simply mask their identity by a name change. Doesn’t mean a person isn’t entitled to redemption or moving on but to simply change your name and simply avoid the problem is not a matter that we think is having good safety for our citizens,” explained Morgan.

Morgan said he understands that some people may see it as extra punishment.

“Our goal is providing additional safety for the public, and if there’s a bit of a trade-off we’re prepared to live with that.”

A number of other provinces and territories are looking at similar changes and are supportive of it, according to Morgan.