Update from the Legislature - Mar. 9, 2022
The legislature resumed sitting this week, with the assembly focused on responses to the Speech From the Throne and consideration of departmental main estimates, including Municipal Affairs, which were discussed on Monday evening.
The provincial government introduced Bill 4, the Municipal Government (Face Mask and Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination Bylaws) Amendment Act, 2022, on Tuesday. The bill proposes to amend the Municipal Government Act (MGA) so that ministerial approval is required before a municipality can bring into force a bylaw mandating an individual to wear a face mask or other face covering for the primary purpose of preventing or limiting the spread of COVID-19 or any other communicable disease or for an individual to be required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or proof of a negative COVID-19 test on be allowed to enter a premise.
Alberta Municipalities issued a statement indicating its disappointment in the heavy handiness of the legislation and the lack of consultation undertaken by the provincial government before introducing amendments – no matter how narrow – to the MGA.
Coal Policy Reports Released:
The provincial government released the findings of the coal policy committee on March 4, including an engagement report and a final report containing eight principal recommendations and 20 related action items. The provincial government has indicated a willingness to address the committee’s concerns and recommendations, which include the modernization of Alberta’s coal policy, strengthening Indigenous involvement in land-use planning, and ensuring proposed projects are rigorously assessed using net benefit tests.
Broadband Strategy Announced:
A comprehensive broadband strategy has long been an advocacy priority for Alberta Municipalities and on March 2, President Heron joined the Premier and Minister of Service Alberta for the eagerly awaited release of the Alberta Broadband Strategy. Building on the four-year, $390 million funding commitment made in Budget 2022, the strategy aims to connect every home and business in Alberta to reliable, high-speed internet by the end of the 2026-27.
Energy cost supports:
In response to rising energy costs, the provincial government announced it will stop the collection of the 13 cents/litre provincial fuel tax, effective April 1. The reduction will be evaluated quarterly and the tax will be fully reimposed once the price of a barrel of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) oil falls below US$80 a barrel.
Additionally, the provincial government will provide a retroactive $50 monthly rebate for three months to assist with the high electricity costs Albertans have experienced this winter. The exact details of the $280 million program, including timing, have yet to be worked out.
Spring 2021 Legislation Status (as of Tuesday, March 8):
Leave to Introduce a Bill
Bill 3 – Special Days Act (Orr)
Second Reading
Bill 2 - Financial Statutes Amendment Act, 2022 ($) (Toews)
Bill 4 - Municipal Government (Face Mask and Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination Bylaws) Amendment Act, 2022 (McIver)
Committee of the Whole
Bill 1 – Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Recognition Act (Kenney)
