Update from the Legislature - April 21, 2022

The legislature is in session this week and for the next three weeks.

The provincial government unveiled its Alberta Technology and Innovation Strategy on April 12 to help Alberta attract more foreign investment and skilled labour. The strategy builds on its previous commitment in the Investment and Growth Strategy to create strategies for key economic sectors. The Government of Alberta’s strategy’s five main goals are:

• Increase the depth of Alberta’s technology and innovation talent pool
• Increase access to private capital and public investments in Alberta’s technology and innovation sector
• Advance a system of supports that facilitate commercialization of Alberta research and innovations
• Optimize Alberta’s technology and innovation ecosystem
• Enhance Alberta’s reputation as a leader in technology and innovation

President Cathy Heron participated in a joint federal-provincial announcement of $159 million to support transit operations in 26 Alberta municipalities on April 13. The funding, under a new program called Alberta Relief for Shortfalls for Transit Operators (RESTOR), will provide operational support and be allocated based on 2019 public transit ridership numbers.

Spring 2022 Legislation Status (as of Wednesday, April 20)

Leave to Introduce a Bill
Bill 17 - Labour Statutes Amendment Act, 2022 (Madu)
Bill 18 - Utility Commodity Rebate Act (Nally)
Bill 19 - Condominium Property Amendment Act, 2022 (Glubish)
Bill 20 - Justice Statutes Amendment Act, 2022 (Shandro)
Bill 21 - Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act, 2022 (Fir)

Second Reading
Bill 11 - Continuing Care Act (Copping)
Bill 12 - Trustee Act (Shandro)
Bill 13 - Financial Innovation Act (Toews)
Bill 14 - Provincial Court (Sexual Awareness Training) Amendment Act, 2022 (Issik)
Bill 15 - Education (Reforming Teacher Profession Discipline) Amendment Act, 2022 (LaGrange)
Bill 16 - Insurance Amendment Act, 2022 (Toews)
Bill 18 - Utility Commodity Rebate Act (Nally)

Committee of the Whole
Bill 2 - Financial Statutes Amendment Act, 2022 ($) (Toews)
Bill 9 - Public’s Right to Know Act (Shandro)
Bill 10 - Health Professions (Protecting Women and Girls) Amendment Act, 2022 (Aheer)

Third Reading
N/A

Awaiting Royal Assent
Bill 4 - Municipal Government (Face Mask and Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination Bylaws) Amendment Act, 2022 (McIver)
Bill 5 - Traffic Safety Amendment Act, 2022 (Sawhney)
Bill 6 - Emblems of Alberta Amendment Act, 2022 (Orr)

Received Royal Assent
Bill 1 - Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Recognition Act (Kenney)
Bill 3 - Special Days Act (Orr)
Bill 7 - Appropriation Act, 2022 ($) (Toews)
Bill 8 - Appropriation (Supplementary Supply) Act, 2022 ($) (Toews)