LEDUC, ALBERTA: The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms announces that lawyers funded by the Justice Centre are representing Karen Richert, a Leduc business owner and former municipal candidate, who is facing a human rights complaint over her online comments about a “family-friendly” drag show.
Ms. Richert previously administered a local Facebook group, “Voice of Leduc,” where residents discuss community issues and local governance. In May 2024, a local dance studio hosted and promoted a drag show advertised as “family-friendly.” The event sparked public discussion in the group, with Ms. Richert and others expressing concern about the appropriateness of such performances for children.
In June 2025, the studio owner filed a complaint against Ms. Richert with the Alberta Human Rights Commission under the Alberta Human Rights Act, alleging that the online criticism constituted discriminatory expression. The complaint was filed beyond the Act’s one-year statutory deadline, which is a strict limit that cannot be extended or waived.
The Commission initially rejected the complaint in autumn 2025 as being out of time and upheld that decision upon reconsideration. However, in January 2026, the Commission unexpectedly reversed course and informed Ms. Richert that it would proceed with the complaint, despite the missed deadline and prior rejections.
This complaint is based on a part of the law that restricts certain kinds of speech. But the very same law also says people are free to express their opinions on any topic. Alberta courts, including in Lund v Boissoin, have made it clear: opinions are protected, even if someone doesn’t like them.
Lawyers funded by the Justice Centre will argue that Ms. Richert’s comments fall squarely within protected expression and should not be subject to investigation or penalty.
“People are allowed to have an opinion on drag shows for children, even if it’s a negative one, and people are allowed to express that opinion, whether in person, in print or online,” said Phil Dunlop (student-at-law), part of the legal team representing Ms. Richert.
“Alberta law is clear that the expression of opinion on any topic is not subject to review or to punishment by a human rights tribunal in this province,” he added.
Ms. Richert expressed concern about the broader implications of the case. “Freedom of expression includes the right to hear: to listen to what others in our community value and believe, without fear,” she said. “When the institutions meant to protect our rights become oppressive, and speech is chilled, whether by overreach, pressure, or fear, the loss of a free and democratic society begins.”
Lawyers have secured an extension to file a formal response to the complaint, which is due by April 30, 2026. Following that, the Commission may dismiss the complaint, attempt mediation, or advance the matter to a hearing.
