Update from the Legislature - Mar 16, 2022

The legislature is in session this week with the assembly focused on consideration of departmental main estimates. Bill 4, the Municipal Government (Face Mask and Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination Bylaws) Amendment Act, 2022, is currently at second reading.

Fort McMurray By-election
On Tuesday, a by-election occurred in Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche to replace former MLA Laila Goodridge, who resigned to successfully seek a federal seat in the 2021 election. Former Wild Rose party leader and Conservative MP Brian Jean won decisively.

Results:

• Marilyn Burns (Advantage Party)           25        0.4%
• Brian Deheer (Independent)                  56       1.0%
• Paul Hinman (Wildrose Independence) 628    10.8%
• Abdulhakim Hussein (Liberal)               211      3.6%
• Brian Jean (United Conservative)       3,714     63.6%
• Michelle Landsiedel (Alberta Party)      98        1.7%
• Ariana Mancini (NDP)                          1,081    18.5%
• Steven Mellott (Independence Party)   24        0.4%

Once the results are certified, the new standings in the legislature will be:

• 61 United Conservatives
• 23 New Democrats
• 3 Independents

Federal Government Matches Provincial Funding for Broadband
A week after the provincial government unveiled its comprehensive broadband strategy, the federal government announced it would match funding, for a total investment of $780 million over four years. Federal funds will come from the Universal Broadband Fund.

Assistance for Transit Operating Costs
On Friday, the provincial government announced it will provide $79.5 million in funding to match the federal government’s pledge to provide support to municipalities facing transit operating shortfalls. This one-time payment will help cities maintain service levels despite decreased ridership due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The provincial government is still working with the federal government to finalize the terms of the agreement. Stay tuned for more information in the weeks ahead.

Spring 2021 Legislation Status (as of Tuesday, March 15)

Leave to Introduce a Bill
Bill 5 - Traffic Safety Amendment Act, 2022 (Sawhney)
Bill 6 - Emblems of Alberta Amendment Act, 2022 (Orr)
Bill 7 - Appropriation Act, 2022 ($) (Toews)
Bill 8 - Appropriation (Supplementary Supply) Act, 2022 ($) (Toews)

Second Reading
Bill 2 - Financial Statutes Amendment Act, 2022 ($) (Toews)
Bill 3 - Special Days Act (Orr)
Bill 4 - Municipal Government (Face Mask and Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination Bylaws) Amendment Act, 2022 (McIver)

Committee of the Whole
N/A

Third Reading
Bill 1 - Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Recognition Act (Kenney)

Awaiting Royal Assent
N/A

Received Royal Assent
N/A