The Weekly Roundup- March 21, 2022
You can never accuse Alberta politics of being uneventful. While the Legislature continues chugging along on week three of a four week stretch, it is certainly not the centre of attention in Alberta politics these days.
Brian Jean was elected as MLA for Fort McMurray - Lac La Biche last Tuesday, easily coasting to victory with 63.6 per cent of the vote. The official results of the vote won’t be available until March 25 and Jean won’t be sworn in until April 5, just in time for the leadership vote on April 9 where Jean is actively campaigning against Kenney.
The parameters of the leadership vote appear to be a moving target at this point in time, despite the fact that membership sales to be able to vote in the Special General Meeting were cut off as of March 19. Word has it that UCP Executive Committee will be meeting today to discuss potentially expanding the current Special General Meeting of one day in Red Deer to multiple venues over multiple days in Edmonton, Calgary and Red Deer. At this point, any decision made by the party to adjust the voting format will invite criticism, but with 20,000 people expected to participate, logistics for a single-site event would be a challenge.
If you're looking for a relaxing way to enjoy a cup of coffee today, feel free to go through the helpful graphics put together by Lisa Young and Jared Wesley of the many permutations that could happen in the UCP over the next month.
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 ($)
Stage: Third Reading passed March 17, 2022
Notes: This bill will honour Albertans who have done remarkable things caring for their communities. The honours include the presentation of 7,000 medals to recognize 70 years of Queen Elizabeth II’s service.
Bill 2: Financial Statutes Amendment Act, 2022 ($)
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: Second Reading adjourned March 14, 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: First Reading passed March 16, 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: First Reading passed March 17, 2022:
Notes: This bill would make ammolite the official gemstone of Alberta.
Government of Alberta Announcements
Along with western Premiers Scott Moe and Heather Stefanson Premier Kenney issued a joint letter urging the Prime Minister to protect supply chains amid the Canadian Pacific Railway shutdown of operations due to an ongoing labour dispute.
The Premier addressed the Rural Municipalities of Alberta spring conference last week and ran through a laundry list of positive items from the budget pertaining to the municipalities and work the government is doing to address the rising cost of living.
There will be 19 new conservation officers in the province this year with funding for the new officers flowing through revenues generated by the Kananaskis Conservation Pass.
The province is investing $13 million to support 22 projects through Alberta Innovates to advance clean technology solutions and grow a low-carbon economy.
The Premier highlighted an investment of $25 million in operating funding and $47 million in capital investment over the next three years to support public charter school expansions and collegiate programs first announced in the budget.
The government took the time to highlight the steps being taken to support addiction and mental health care through a recovery oriented system of care in Budget 2022.
Additional funding of $5 million, up from $2 million annually will help protect places of worship and all vulnerable Albertans from hate crimes and vandalism.
Orders in Council
OC 57/2022: Effective March 21, 2022, amends Order in Council numbered O.C. 376/2018 to extend the appointment of Doug Sawyer as a member of the Alberta Agricultural Products Marketing Council for a term to expire on March 20, 2025.
Upcoming Events Calendar
April 5, 2022: Brian Jean sworn in as UCP MLA
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