Bill 20: Reaction, response & analysis
Bill 20, the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, 2024 was introduced by the Minister of Municipal Affairs last week in the Legislature. The bill proposes substantial changes to the Municipal Government Act and the Local Authorities Election Act, including increased ability for the provincial government to mandate bylaw changes and remove councillors. It also formally permits the establishment of municipal political parties in Edmonton and Calgary for the 2025 municipal elections.
Alberta Municipalities shared its initial thoughts last week in an official statement from the Board of Directors. President Tyler Gandam spoke with reporters about some of ABmunis’ concerns with the legislation on April 29. A recording from his news conference and ABmunis’ preliminary analysis can be found on our Keep Local Elections Local web page.
A "virtual town hall" meeting for Regular Members will take place on Wednesday, May 8, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Click here to register.
We encourage members to share their feedback with us, speak to their local MLAs to ensure they know what you think of Bill 20, and attend a Summer Municipal Leaders' Caucus event where the controversial legislation and its potential impacts on municipalities will be discussed.
