The Weekly Roundup-February 22, 2022
Protests and occupations have been shut down across the country including at four border crossings and in front of Parliament Hill, with the Trudeau government invoking the Emergencies Act for the first time since its passage in 1988. A motion affirming the Liberals decision to invoke the Emergencies Act passed in the House of Commons with Liberal and NDP support Monday evening while the CPC and BQ voted against. Premier Kenney has committed that the Government of Alberta will launch a court challenge of the invocation of the Act , and may also intervene in support of other court challenges.
The Alberta Legislature will resume sitting at 3 p.m. today for the Speech from the Throne in the Legislature with Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Salma Lakhani outlining the government’s priorities for what is likely to be the UCP government’s final session before next spring’s election.
Wednesday will see a regular sitting day with the first bills of the new session to be introduced, while Thursday will have the government’s budget tabled. A reminder that you can join New West Public Affairs just hours after the Government of Alberta tables Budget 2022 for a break down of the numbers and what it all means for the province.
On February 26 the government will announce a final decision about proceeding to Phase Two of their plan to lift almost all COVID-19 restrictions on March 1. While positive case counts no longer reflect how many Albertans have COVID-19 due to testing capacity, as of February 18 there are 1,494 in hospital with 116 in intensive care and 3,830 deaths.
Below, you’ll find a recap of other government announcements made and Orders in Council passed since our last edition.
Government of Alberta Announcements
A new working group chaired by MLA for Spruce Grove - Stony Plain Searle Turton is engaging with local leaders and residents about revitalizing and attracting investment to the Edmonton metropolitan region, and will submit a final report in summer 2022.
A new renal dialysis unit in High Prairie will give area residents greater access to specialized treatments closer to home.
First Nations’ immunization records are now fully integrated into Alberta’s electronic health records system regardless whether the immunizations were administered on or off reserve.
Alberta’s government is investing $1.9 million to support skills development training for women’s success in the IT sector.
Premier Kenney announced the launch of the Rural Renewal Stream and the Rural Entrepreneur Stream to encourage skilled and talented professionals and entrepreneurs from around the world to settle in rural communities.
Minister of Children’s Services Rebecca Schulz and Chief Morin from Enoch Cree Nation have signed a letter of intent for collaborative work related to children and family services.
A new grant of $2.5 million will be provided to post-secondary institutions to support training and awareness programs regarding sexual violence and harassment on campuses.
Alberta’s government is searching for interested parties to develop up to 18 commercial safety rest areas across the province.
A $485,000 community grant has been awarded to the Calgary Centre for Newcomers to help upgrade its facility.
Orders in Council
OC 26/2022: Authorizes for the Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche byelection to be held on March 15, 2022.
OC 27/2022: Makes the Regional Health Authorities Amendment Regulation including outlining that a regional health authority may transfer supplies to a third party, without charge, if the regional health authority determines that the transfer is required to protect the public health and may lessen the impact of COVID-19 and extending the expiry to November 30, 2026.
OC 28/2022: Expands the mandate of the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation to create additional opportunities for Indigenous investment in major agriculture, telecommunications and transportation projects and related infrastructure.
Upcoming Events Calendar
February 22, 2022: Speech from the Throne
February 24, 2022: Alberta Budget Day
March 15, 2022: Fort McMurray - Lac La Biche by-election
April 9, 2022: United Conservative Party Special General Meeting (Leadership Review)