EDMONTON — Alberta is the second province to bring in a law that could help people at risk of domestic violence learn about their intimate partner's criminal record.

The legislation, which is informally known as Clare's Law, comes into effect Thursday.

A similar law came into force last June in Saskatchewan.

It allows people who feel they may be at risk to apply for information related to a current or former partner's potential risk for domestic violence.

Police can also choose to warn potential victims if they feel they are in danger.

The legislation was initiated in the United Kingdom and is named after Clare Wood, a woman who was murdered in 2009 by a partner she didn't know had a violent criminal history.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 30, 2021

The Canadian Press