Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said on Saturday that she would consider invoking the clause if necessary, which allows governments to override certain Charter rights for up to five years.

Smith had previously said the bill, which would ban gender-affirming care for those under 16, would stand up to any Charter challenge

A provincial law will ban doctors from providing gender-affirming treatment such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy for those under 16. A surgical prohibition already in effect will halt gender-affirming "top" surgeries for minors.