The Weekly Roundup- March 14,2022
The Legislature continues to sit this week as the second week in a four week stretch gets underway with estimates continuing many ministries including Health, Energy and Executive Council. While attention will be on the Legislature, what is happening up Highway 63 in Fort McMurray with the conclusion of the byelection is sure to garner much attention on Tuesday. Should Brian Jean win and become a member of the UCP caucus, it is sure to ratchet up discontent in the caucus in the lead up to the leadership vote in Red Deer April 9.
You can read New West’s thoughts on both Premier Kenney’s fight to hold onto his leadership in Alberta and the ongoing leadership race for the Conservative Party of Canada that has seen multiple new entrants in the past week here.
In a move to address climbing fuel prices, Premier Kenney announced that the Alberta government will stop the collection of the 13 cents per litre provincial fuel tax to offer Albertans relief beginning April 1. There will also be retroactive $150 electricity rebates issued to help Albertans pay for the high bills they faced this winter.
On the flip side of those high oil prices, speaking to the Alberta Municipalities spring leaders caucus last week Premier Kenney told the crowd to not expect increased spending on local priorities, saying “this may be our last energy boom.”
As of March 11 there are 1,045 in hospital with COVID-19 with 74 in intensive care and 4,003 deaths.
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: Committee of the Whole passed March 10, 2022
Notes: This bill will honour Albertans who have done remarkable things caring for their communities. The honours include the presentation of 7,000 medals to recognize 70 years of Queen Elizabeth II’s service.
Bill 2: Financial Statutes Amendment Act, 2022
Stage: First Reading passed March 8, 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: First Reading passed March 9, 2022
Notes: This bill would 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: First Reading passed March 8, 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.
Government of Alberta Announcements
Alberta’s government is investing $17.5 million over the next two years to support upgrades and enhancements to the Canmore Nordic Centre.
Alberta’s government is providing $79.5 million for transit systems in Alberta municipalities to match funding provided by the federal government.
Energy Minister Sonya Savage issued a statement on Alberta’s role in energy security following her participation at the CERAWeek conference in Houston.
Alberta’s government will implement new K-3 Mathematics, K-3 English Language Arts and Literature curriculum as well as new K-6 Physical Education and Wellness starting in September 2022. New curriculum for grades 4-6 Mathematics and English Language Arts and Literature will be implemented in September 2023.
Alberta’s government will begin providing prenatal benefits to vulnerable expectant mothers on AISH and Income Support.
The new youth suicide prevention grant program is accepting applications from community organizations until April 8.
The Government of Canada has committed to matching Alberta’s $390-million funding commitment for new high-speed internet infrastructure in rural, remote and Indigenous communities across Alberta.
Minister Toews is in New York City from March 9-14 to promote Alberta’s financial and business advantages.
All youth aged 12 to 17 can receive a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine beginning March 14.
Effective March 10, Alberta Health Services will no longer require proof of COVID-19 vaccination or regular rapid testing of its current workers.
New funding of $1 million is being provided to bursary programs at Bow Valley College in Calgary and NorQuest College and Yellowhead Tribal College to support women in STEM related fields.
Tracy Allard, MLA for Grande Prairie, promoted Alberta’s energy sector at the Energy Council Federal Meeting in Washington D.C.
Orders in Council
OC 55/2022: Makes the ATB Financial Amendment Regulation.
OC 56/2022: Amends Order in Council numbered O.C. 307/2010 regarding ATB Financial.
Upcoming Events Calendar
March 15, 2022: Fort McMurray - Lac La Biche by-election
March 16, 2022: Executive Council Estimates
April 9, 2022: United Conservative Party Special General Meeting (Leadership Review)
April 19, 2022: Deadline for candidates to apply for CPC leadership
September 10, 2022: New CPC Leader announced