UPDATE FROM THE LEGISLATURE - MAR. 2, 2022
The Legislature is adjourned this week and will resume sitting on Monday, March 7.
In the coming weeks the legislature is scheduled to consider the 2022-23 main estimates and debate the Speech From the Throne. The only government bill introduced so far is Bill 1, Platinum Jubilee Recognition Act.
Budget 2022 Released:
On February 24 the provincial government released Budget 2022. The budget contained no major surprises for municipalities. For more information please read or watch Alberta Municipalities' preliminary analysis.
Covid-19 restrictions:
The provincial government announced Alberta would be moving to Step 2 of the three-step easing of restrictions plan effective March 1. Highlights of Stage 2 include the removal of the provincial mask mandate in most settings, an end to mandatory work-from-home requirements and the the lifting of social gathering limits and capacity limits for all venues.
A timeframe for moving to Stage 3 is yet to be determined.
Prompt Payment:
On Friday, the provincial government released the prompt payment framework regulations. The regulations come into force on August 29, 2022 and will be available online at alberta.ca. The regulations follow the passing of Bill 37 by the Legislature in 2020.
Cabinet shuffle:
Premier Kenney made the following minor changes to his cabinet last week:
• Tyler Shandro, Q.C., MLA for Calgary-Acadia and Minister of Labour and Immigration, becomes the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General
• Kaycee Madu, Q.C., MLA for Edmonton-South West and minister without a portfolio, becomes the Minister of Labour and Immigration
• Sonya Savage, MLA for Calgary-North West, continues as Minister of Energy
The shuffle was required following an investigation into Minister Madu’s actions while serving as Minister of Justice and Solicitor General.
