Bill 21 - Emergency Statutes Amendment Act

Bill 21, the Emergency Statutes Amendment Act, 2024, amends three pieces of legislation, the Emergency Management Act, the Water Act and the Forest and Prairie Protection Act to streamline emergency management authority for the relevant ministers. These changes may have impacts on how municipalities are able to respond to emergencies. 

Bill 21 also amends the Election Act, Alberta Senate Election Amendment Act and the Election Finances and Contribution Disclosures Act to allow the province to shift the provincial election date to October. Bill 21 streamlines the province’s ability to assume control over emergency response in a variety of situations, while also expanding the scope of these powers. These changes are concerning for municipalities as no consultation was done prior to the legislation being developed. 

Click below to read Alberta Municipalities' analysis of Bill 21.