The Weekly Roundup- May 2, 2022
Hydrogen is first on the periodic table and was top of mind for Alberta politicians last week as Edmonton played host to the Canadian Hydrogen Convention and Associate Minister of Natural Gas and Electricity Dale Nally declared it Hydrogen Week. The Premier also used the conference as an opportunity to announce $50M to launch the Clean Hydrogen Centre of Excellence.
A story from CBC revealed some of the work that is being done by Alberta’s Senior Representative to the United States James Rajotte and other government officials to positively pitch the province to American lawmakers. Topics including energy, beef labelling and new trade opportunities are mentioned.
Alberta’s legislature continues to sit with two new government bills tabled in the past week with two weeks to go before a scheduled constituency break. With some lengthy sitting days, the ten government bills left on the Order Paper could also be passed in that two week timeframe meaning whatever way the results of the leadership vote go May 18, MLAs won’t need to return to the Legislature. Besides, with the Oilers and Flames about to be in the NHL playoffs, many Albertans won't have much of an attention span for politics.
Below, you’ll find a recap of government legislation and government announcements made since our last edition.
Government Legislation Recap
There is one government bill on the Order Paper to be introduced:
Bill 23 Professional Governance Act
Royal Assent received:
Bill 1: Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Recognition Act
Bill 2: Financial Statutes Amendment Act, 2022
Bill 3: Special Days Act
Bill 4: Municipal Government (Face Mask and Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination Bylaws) Amendment Act, 2022
Bill 5: Traffic Safety Amendment Act, 2022
Bill 6: Emblems of Alberta Amendment Act, 2022
Bill 7: Appropriation Act, 2022
Bill 8: Appropriation (Supplementary Supply) Act, 2022
Bill 9: Public’s Right to Know Act
Bill 12: Trustee Act
Bill 13: Financial Innovation Act
Bill 18: Utility Commodity Rebate Act
Bills before the House:
Bill 10: Health Professions (Protecting Women and Girls) Amendment Act, 2022
Stage: Second Reading passed April 19, 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 on amendment April 27, 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 14: Provincial Court (Sexual Awareness Training) Amendment Act, 2022
Stage: Second Reading passed April 20, 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: Second Reading passed April 27, 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.
Bill 16: Insurance Amendment Act, 2022
Stage: Second Reading adjourned April 27, 2022
Notes: If passed, these amendments to the Insurance Act will help facilitate easier access to reinsurance (insurance for insurance companies) within Alberta prior to captive insurance being introduced in the province.
Bill 17: Labour Statutes Amendment Act, 2022
Stage: Second Reading adjourned April 28, 2022
Notes: If passed, the bill would improve Albertans’ access to bereavement supports to include those experiencing miscarriage or stillbirth and expand reservist leaves by removing the 20-day limit on unpaid military reservist leave for annual training.
Bill 19: Condominium Property Amendment Act, 2022
Stage: Second Reading adjourned April 28, 2022
Notes: The changes proposed in this bill aim to better protect condo owners from unnecessary costs.
Bill 20: Justice Statutes Amendment Act, 2022
Stage: First Reading passed April 21, 2022
Notes: If passed, these housekeeping amendments will update the Corrections Act, the Justices of the Peace Act, the Missing Persons Act, the Victims of Crime and Public Safety Act, and the Youth Justice Act.
Bill 21: Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act, 2022
Stage: First Reading passed April 25, 2022
Notes: The UCP’s sixth red tape reduction bill, Bill 21 makes changes to 15 legislative items.
Bill 22: Electricity Statutes (Modernizing Alberta’s Electricity Grid) Amendment Act, 2022
Stage: First Reading passed April 27, 2022
Notes: This bill builds on legislation first introduced but not passed in fall 2021. If passed, Bill 22 will integrate new technologies into Alberta’s electricity system including energy storage, unlimited self-supply with export and planning for electric vehicles in the distribution system plan. It also begins the transfer of remaining Balancing Pool responsibilities in preparation for its future dissolution.
Government of Alberta Announcements
Additional funding of $7 million (half from the province) will support inclusive child care for those with special needs through five regional partner agencies in Alberta.
$30 million over three years has been allocated to accelerate and grow artificial intelligence research, development and expertise in the province.
$4.5 million will be invested to upgrade or build 84 public-use facilities in communities across the province through the Community Facility Enhancement Program.
A new Indigenous advisory group will provide input on public safety initiatives and policies.
Upcoming Events Calendar
May 11, 2022: CPC Leadership Debate to be held in Edmonton
May 18, 2022: Results of UCP Leadership review announced
June 28, 2022: New West Public Affairs presents Alberta Relaunch
September 10, 2022: New CPC Leader announced