The Weekly Roundup- April 11, 2022
The Alberta Legislature is halfway through a two week constituency break. This weekend was when the in person UCP leadership review was originally set to take place in Red Deer. Instead, a virtual SGM was held on Saturday with the Premier giving a speech to a small room of in person supporters. The Coles Notes of the 45 minute speech boiled down to the Premier saying that he is the only person up to the task of keeping the party united and defeating Rachel Notley. At the end of his speech, he revealed that should he not win the leadership vote (50% plus one) he will step aside for a new leader. Ballots will now be sent to the almost 60,000 UCP members in the province with return ballots needing to be cast by May 11 and the results being announced on May 18.
The federal government has tabled their first budget following last fall’s election and their newly penned agreement with the NDP. It lays out some of their key priorities for the next year, including healthcare, housing and affordability, innovation, mineral exploration, climate change, defence spending and perhaps most importantly for Alberta, a new Carbon capture, utilisation and storage credit. You can read Alberta Finance Minister Travis Toews’ statement on the budget here and New West’s analysis of Federal Budget 2022 here.
Former Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith may have been inspired by other former Wildrose Leader Brian Jean jumping back into the fray (who was sworn in as MLA last week) and has announced her intention to run first for the UCP nomination in Livingston-Macleod and if the position becomes available, for UCP leader. You can read New West Partner Michael Solberg's thoughts on the current state of Alberta's conservative movement in a column here.
The UCP government is leaning in hard to the language of a Liberal-NDP Coalition, and you can expect to see them continue to tie the two parties together in the lead up to next year’s election. They are likely hoping that the electorate will view the two together and have the Notley-led provincial NDP wear any mistakes of the federal Liberal-NDP coalition.
You can expect an ambitious agenda at Alberta Health Services in the lead up to next year’s election following the surprise departure of CEO Dr. Verna Yiu last week. In a statement, Health Minister Jason Copping spoke of “an ambitious agenda to improve and modernize the health system” to be implemented and a new CEO will be at the helm to bring about that change.
Below, you’ll find a recap of government legislation introduced and debated, government announcements made and Orders in Council passed since our last edition.
Government Legislation Recap
Bill 1: Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Recognition Act
Stage: Royal Assent received March 24, 2022
Notes: This bill honours Albertans who have done remarkable things caring for their communities including the presentation of 7,000 medals to recognize 70 years of Queen Elizabeth II’s service.
Bill 2: Financial Statutes Amendment Act, 2022
Stage: Second Reading adjourned March 30, 2022
Notes: This bill consists of several legislative amendments that implement technical measures announced in Budget 2022 including red tape reduction through harmonizing federal and provincial tax legislation.
Bill 3: Special Days Act
Stage: Royal Assent received March 24, 2022
Notes: This bill will give ministers the authority to issue ministerial declarations to recognize special days in Alberta that will be tracked on a central web page. This will help raise awareness and designate a place where people can find the details on events like Black History Month or Francophonie Month.
Bill 4: Municipal Government (Face Mask and Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination Bylaws) Amendment Act, 2022
Stage: Third Reading passed on division March 30, 2022
Notes: If passed, the legislation would require municipal bylaws relating to masks to prevent the spread of communicable diseases or COVID-19 vaccines be approved by the Minister of Municipal Affairs in consultation with the chief medical officer of health.
Bill 5: Traffic Safety Amendment Act, 2022
Stage: Third Reading passed March 30, 2022:
Notes: The bill would require all motorists traveling in the same direction to slow down to at least 60 km/h when passing a stopped roadside worker vehicle with its lights flashing and motorists traveling in the opposite direction on single lane highways to slow down to 60 km/h when passing.
Bill 6: Emblems of Alberta Amendment Act, 2022
Stage: Third Reading passed March 31, 2022:
Notes: This bill would make ammolite the official gemstone of Alberta.
Bill 7: Appropriation Act, 2022
Stage: Royal Assent received March 24, 2022
Notes: The bill requests a total of $45 billion from the general revenue fund so that the government may meet its funding commitments as laid out in the 2022-23 government estimates. Additionally, the bill requests a total of $173 million to cover the Legislative Assembly’s expenses for the year as detailed in the offices of the Legislative Assembly estimates. The bill also includes $3.7 billion for capital investment, $1.4 billion for financial transactions, and $1.75 billion for contingencies.
Bill 8: Appropriation (Supplementary Supply) Act, 2022
Stage: Royal Assent received Mar. 24, 2022
Notes: Bill 8 provides authority for the government to pay from the general revenue fund for additional costs that are not already covered or otherwise provided for during the current fiscal year. Supplementary estimates include $1.2 billion in expense and $1 million in capital investment for items including sending aid and equipment to Ukraine, electricity rebates for Albertans and building municipal infrastructure.
Bill 9: Public’s Right to Know Act
Stage: Second Reading adjourned March 28, 2022
Notes: If passed, Bill 9 would fulfill a UCP platform commitment requiring the provincial government to report crime data annually and make the information available on its website as well as being tabled in the Legislature.
Bill 10: Health Professions (Protecting Women and Girls) Amendment Act, 2022
Stage: Second Reading adjourned March 30, 2022
Notes: If passed, Bill 10 would mean health professionals who perform or facilitate female genital mutilation or cutting would be removed from practising medicine, if convicted. Health professionals convicted of this crime in another jurisdiction would not be allowed to practise in Alberta.
Bill 11: Continuing Care Act
Stage: Second Reading adjourned March 30, 2022
Notes: This bill establishes clear and consistent authority and oversight for the licensing, accommodations and delivery of publicly funded care in the continuing care system in order to enable better coordination and alignment of care.
Bill 12: Trustee Act
Stage: First Reading passed March 29, 2022
Notes: The Trustee Act would replace existing legislation and improve the management of trusts by setting clear provisions regarding day-to-day function of all trusts for Albertans, such as charities, businesses and people with trusts in wills.
Bill 13: Financial Innovation Act
Stage: First Reading passed March 30, 2022
Notes: This bill creates a regulatory sandbox for financial services and fintech companies, offering businesses temporary relief from certain legislative and regulatory requirements, making it simpler for them to test new products and services and expand their offerings to consumers.
Bill 14: Provincial Court (Sexual Awareness Training) Amendment Act, 2022
Stage: First Reading passed March 30, 2022
Notes: Bill 14 will require Provincial Court judge applicants to complete sexual assault law and social context issues education before they are eligible to be appointed.
Bill 15: Education (Reforming Teacher Profession Discipline) Amendment Act, 2022
Stage: First Reading passed March 31, 2022
Notes: This bill, unpopular with the Alberta Teachers’ Association, would create the Alberta Teaching Profession Commission and appoint an arm’s-length commissioner to oversee teacher and teacher leader conduct and competency complaints for the profession. This process would apply equally to all teachers and teacher leaders, whether they are members of the Alberta Teachers’ Association or not.
Government of Alberta Announcements
Women’s Economic Recovery Challenge Grant recipients were announced and funding of $3.6 million will be distributed to the organizations.
Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation Doug Schweitzer issued a statement on the March 2022 Labour Force Survey that had more good news about Alberta’s rebounding economy.
While the omicron Alberta is expanding eligibility for fourth doses of COVID-19 vaccine and Paxlovid treatment to protect those most at risk from severe outcomes.
To reduce the impact of high inflation on continuing care residents the UCP government is paying the first three months of this year’s annual increase in accommodation charges at a cost of $10.4 million.
There’s a new Wild Boar Control Program to eliminate the destructive pest’s threat to crops, livestock and the environment in the province.
Alberta’s government is no longer collecting the provincial fuel tax while oil prices are high. Unfortunately for the Premier, his photo op at a gas pump with his signature blue pickup didn’t go quite as planned.
Environment Minister Jason Nixon met with Environment and Climate Change Canada Minister Steven Guilbeault to discuss and heavily criticize the newly released federal climate plan.
Minister of Health Jason Copping and Alberta Medical Association president Dr. Michelle Warren issued an update on physician negotiations.
Six new proposals will begin exploring how to develop environmentally safe carbon storage hubs to reduce emissions from the industrial heartland around Edmonton.
Starting April 1, more pharmacies can supply COVID-19 antiviral medication Paxlovid to eligible Albertans.
Alberta’s government is supporting the City of Edmonton’s 2026 FIFA World Cup host city bid with a maximum contribution of $110 million from the province.
Beginning April 1 the government is matching up to $350,000 in donations to eligible provincial sport, physical activity and recreation programs.
The governments of Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick have agreed to a joint strategic plan outlining the path forward on small modular reactors.
Alberta’s government has accepted the final report of the provincial Human Trafficking Task Force and its five recommendations and 19 calls to action.
Changes are being made to allow psychiatrists to bill for virtual indirect care as part of a psychiatric consultation.
Premier Kenney held a news conference to highlight Budget 2022 spending for the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) increase from $7 million to more than $15 million. That means an increase for the government covering approximately half of STARS’ base operating costs – up from about 23 per cent.
Additionally, Medicine Hat-based Helicopter Air Lift Operation will be offered guaranteed funding and a contract with Alberta Health Services, with more than $1 million in annual funding while Fort McMurray-based Helicopter Emergency Rescue Operation (HERO) will get almost $2 million under a new five-year contract.
Environment Minister Jason Nixon held a news conference to highlighted the more than $4 million from Budget 2022 to upgrade the popular Grassi Lakes and Goat Creek day-use areas in Kananaskis Country.
Orders in Council
OC 78/2022: Amends Order in Council numbered O.C. 268/2010 to amend the legal land description of Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park.
OC 79/2022: Makes the Calgary Metropolitan Region Board Amendment Regulation, removing the Town of Strathmore and a portion of Wheatland County as participating municipalities beginning March 31, 2022.
OC 80/2022: Proclaiming the Citizen Initiative Act in force on April 7,2022.
OC 81/2022: Proclaiming the Recall Act in force on April 7, 2022.
OC 82/2022: Makes the Citizen Initiative Regulation.
OC 83/2022: Makes the Recall Regulation.
OC 84/2022: Makes the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (Expiry Date Extension) Amendment Regulation extending the expiry to April 30, 2027.
OC 85/2022: Makes the Dairy Industry (Cleaning) Amendment Regulation regarding cleaning standards in dairy barns.
OC 86/2022: Extends the appointments of many Workers’ Compensation Act Appeals Commission members past the next provincial election.
OC 87/2022: Appoints Sara Anhorn and Chris Cran as members of The Board of Governors of Alberta University of the Arts, each for a term to expire on April 5, 2025.
OC 88/2022: Appoints Jacqueline Hobal and Roger Morrill as members of The Governors of Athabasca University, each for a term to expire on April 5, 2025.
OC 89/2022: Designates Sarah MacKenzie as chair of The Board of Governors of Medicine Hat College and effective October 17, 2022, reappoints her as a member of The Board of Governors of Medicine Hat College for a term to expire on October 16, 2025; appoints David Hoekstra and Brian Stauth as members of The Board of Governors of Medicine Hat College, each for a term to expire on April 5, 2025.
OC 90/2022: Appoints Bady El-Sharkawi, to succeed Daniel Vandermeulen, as a member and designates him as chair of The Board of Governors of Northern Lakes College for a term to expire on April 5,2025.
OC 91/2022: Reappoints Heather Kerschbaumer and Lorne Radbourne as members of The Board of Governors of Northwestern Polytechnic, each for a term to expire on February 9, 2024.
OC 92/2022: Appoints Donna Webster as a member of The Board of Governors of Portage College for a further term to expire on April 5, 2025; appoints Molly Fyten, Patricia Makokis and Linda Sallstrom as members of The Board of Governors of Portage College, each for a term to expire on April 5, 2025.
OC 93/2022: Authorizes the issue of letters patent under the Great Seal of the Province for the appointments of Queen’s Counsel or QC designation for 144 lawyers.
OC 94/2022: Extends the appointments of many Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission board members including Chair Len Rhodes past the next provincial election.
Upcoming Events Calendar
April 19, 2022: Deadline for candidates to apply for CPC leadership
May 18, 2022: Results of UCP Leadership review announced
September 10, 2022: New CPC Leader announced