New directions for naming Alberta government facilities prioritize provincial culture, history and distinctive natural features, but generally discourage tributes to living individuals or commemoration of recent events. The guidelines apply to buildings and open spaces that the provincial government owns and administers, and includes principles for selecting names and terms for consulting with stakeholder groups and the broader public.

“This policy change reflects our government’s commitment to recognizing the amazing span of Alberta’s history and the richness of our cultural and natural heritage,” says Tanya Fir, Alberta’s Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women. “It makes sure that the names we choose for our buildings resonate with, and represent, the many people we serve.”

Preference will be given to names connected to influential individuals and events in Alberta’s history or “plants, animals, landforms and geographical features” that are particularly associated with the province or one of its regions. It is recommended that buildings not be named for individuals until at least five years after their death and, similarly, at least five years should elapse following a noteworthy event. However, the guidelines provide leeway for “extraordinary circumstances” in both cases.

The guidelines also extend to the renaming of existing facilities, although they indicate that previously adopted names should remain in place unless they directly conflict with the new policy or there is another “demonstrable reason” for a name change. In all cases, names deemed to be inappropriate are those that: could harm the government’s reputation or integrity; suggest “endorsement of partisan positions”; or are inconsistent with diversity, inclusion and reconciliation with Indigenous people.

Municipal governments and other public sector agencies such as schools, post-secondary institutions and health care providers will continue to set their own policies for naming the facilities they operate.