The Weekly Roundup-May 24, 2022
As MLAs file back into the Legislature Tuesday, the seating arrangement will look exactly as it did before last Wednesday’s leadership review. But while Jason Kenney remains in the Premier’s chair, it is now on a finite basis until a new leader of the United Conservative Party is chosen at the “earliest opportunity”.
You can read New West’s Breaking News Bulletin on last week’s leadership review here.
The Premier has clarified that he will not run in the leadership race following his 51.4 per cent showing among party faithful in his leadership review and will instead focus on continuity until a new leader is in place.
While details of the leadership race are still being developed, former Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith has already announced her leadership bid, while other former Wildrose Leader Brian Jean has not had a campaign launch but is likely making sure his previously used campaign RV is ready to hit the road. Other potential candidates may be awaiting the terms and timelines of the leadership race to be released from the party and sussing out their fundraising potential.
One key date to keep in mind is September 10, when the new federal CPC leader will be chosen. Does the UCP choose a date before and risk summertime apathy, or after and choose a shorter runway for the new leader to develop a platform before next spring's election? The highly divisive CPC serves as a warning for what could become of the UCP in Alberta, with a party base that has shown itself to be directly divided down the middle on the recent review vote and a more than healthy dose of skepticism regarding the legitimacy of the previous leadership race process.
Eight bills remain on the Order Paper for the spring session, and with the Premier focused on continuity, they are likely to endeavour to wrap in the next week or two at the latest before getting MLAs back to their ridings for the summer BBQ circuit.
Below, you’ll find a recap of government legislation and government announcements made and Orders in Council passed since our last edition.
Government Legislation Recap
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 awaiting Royal Assent:
Bill 14: Provincial Court (Sexual Awareness Training) Amendment Act, 2022
Bill 15: Education (Reforming Teacher Profession Discipline) Amendment Act, 2022
Bill 16: Insurance Amendment Act, 2022
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 passed on division May 10, 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 17: Labour Statutes Amendment Act, 2022
Stage: Committee of the Whole passed with amendments May 11, 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 on amendment May 9, 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: Third Reading passed May 12, 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: Second Reading passed May 11, 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: Third Reading passed May 12, 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.
Bill 23: Professional Governance Act
Stage: Second Reading passed May 11, 2022
Notes: This legislation would consolidate self-governing responsibilities for certain professions and occupations to professional regulatory organizations under one act rather than the patchwork that currently exists today.
Government of Alberta Announcements
Premier Kenney conducted a successful trip to Washington D.C. with Energy Minister Sonya Savage and Environment Minister Jason Nixon early last week, appearing before the energy and natural resources committee.
Finance Minister Travis Toews issued a statement on Alberta’s recent positive credit rating updates.
Associate Minister of Natural Gas and Electricity Dale Nally is attending the World Gas Conference in South Korea and will also promote Alberta hydrogen and gas in Japan.
Construction is starting on the new $18 million 50-bed recovery community in Lethbridge.
Albertans can now renew their driver’s licences and identification cards online through the MyAlberta eServices portal
Alberta’s government is investing $84.6 million to create more than 3,000 new post-secondary seats in the Calgary area in 28 programs.
Orders in Council
OC 149/2022: Proclaiming section 7 of the Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2021 in force on June 1, 2022.
OC 150/2022: Approves the Pharmacy and Drug Amendment Regulation.
Upcoming Events Calendar
June 28, 2022: New West Public Affairs presents Alberta Relaunch
September 10, 2022: New CPC Leader announced