Weekly Roundup - Jan 21, 2022
Alberta's Legislative Assembly will convene next month to begin the final full year of legislative sittings before next year's general election. A Throne Speech will kick off the session on February 22, 2022 followed by the tabling of the Government of Alberta's Budget 2022 on February 24, 2022.The full sessional calendar has revealed that MLAs are scheduled to sit in the spring from February to mid June, and will return in the fall for a sitting from Halloween to December 1.
Last week saw the return of students to in-class learning while testing capacity for COVID-19 was narrowed. PCR testing eligibility is focused on those with risk factors for severe outcomes and those who live and work in high-risk settings. Meanwhile, there continues to be a delay in receiving rapid tests from the federal government and those procured separately by the provincial government. While positive case counts no longer reflect how many Albertans have COVID-19 due to testing capacity, as of January 20 there are 1,131 in hospital with 108 in intensive care and 3,421 deaths. More than 80,000 immunocompromised Albertans are now eligible to receive fourth doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
A shake-up in cabinet this week came upon the revelation of a phone call made by Justice Minister Kaycee Madu to Edmonton's Chief of Police after the minister received a distracted driving ticket last March. An independent investigation into the matter has been initiated by order of Premier Jason Kenney and until it reports, Energy Minister Sonya Savage will take over the justice file as Acting Minister.
Below, you’ll find a recap of recent government announcements and a look ahead to upcoming committee meetings.
Government of Alberta Announcements
The Government of Alberta and the Alberta Medical Association are exploring a return to formal negotiations toward a provincial agreement for Alberta physicians and issued a joint statement on the matter.
A new Curriculum Implementation Advisory Groupis providing advice and recommendations on an implementation strategy and timelines for a new kindergarten to Grade 6 (K-6) curriculum.
Through the Community Facility Enhancement Program, $10.6 million has been allocated in matching funding dollars to upgrade or build 88 public-use community facilities across the province.
To accelerate auto theft investigations, Alberta motorists must now report lost or stolen licence plates to police before requesting a replacement plate from registry agents.
Minister of Transportation Rajan Sawhney issued a statement on the federal vaccine mandate for truckers, stating that the provincial government will take action as required in the best interest of Albertans.
A new accelerated tech pathway, part of the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program was announced by the government and will provide a fast track to permanent residency for highly skilled tech professionals who want to live and work in Alberta.
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Mike Ellis issued a statement on a recent decision by the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta regarding supervised consumption services.
Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation Doug Schweitzer issued a statement on the December 2021 Labour Force Survey that included a nation leading employment rate and the lowest unemployment rate in the province since the start of the pandemic.
Livestock producers and beekeepers can now apply for phase two of the 2021 Canada-Alberta Livestock Feed Assistance AgriRecovery initiative.
Legislative Assembly Committee Meetings
Standing Committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund
January 25, 2022, 1:30-3 pm
This meeting will review the second quarter report for 2021-22 of the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund.
Special Standing Committee on Members' Services
January 26, 2022, 9-11:30 am
This meeting will include the 2022‐23 Legislative Assembly Office Budget Estimates, an update on the LAO’s Strategic Business Plan and updates to the LAO Respectful Workplace Policy.
Standing Committee on Public Accounts
January 26, 2022, 9-11:30 am
This meeting will set the topics of study and meeting dates for Public Accounts in 2022.
Select Special Child and Youth Advocate Search Committee
February 1, 2022, 8-11 am
As the name of this committee suggests, the committee will meet to invite applications for the position of Child and Youth Advocate and recommend to the Assembly the applicant it considers most suitable to this position.