Weekly Roundup - April 11, 2025
While the federal election campaign is in full swing, the business of legislating is a key focus in the jurisdictions of Ontario and Alberta. Ontario legislators are set to return to Queen’s Park on Monday, while the Alberta Legislature has just about one month left in their spring session. Against a backdrop of on-again, off-again tariffs, and the aforementioned federal election, the business of legislating doesn’t receive nearly as much attention. Below, you’ll find New West’s recap of the top provincial stories of the week, providing insights into the current priorities and challenges facing both provincial governments as they navigate their respective legislative agendas.
Top Ontario Stories
It’s been a busy stretch in Ontario politics, with announcements flying from both Queen’s Park and across the province. Premier Ford made headlines on U.S. news networks signalling growing concern over cross-border trade barriers, calling out tariffs and pushing for deeper economic ties with allies like Nova Scotia and Utah (whose governor met with the Premier at Queen's Park later in the week). These conversations reflect Ontario’s push to diversify trade partnerships amid uncertainty with the U.S., and to shore up critical sectors like energy and manufacturing through strategic interprovincial collaboration. On the infrastructure front, the idea of building the world’s largest tunnel may sound ambitious, but it’s part of a broader narrative around easing gridlock and unlocking housing supply in the GTA.
At Queen’s Park, the government is moving quickly on core priorities ahead of the legislature’s return on April 14. The expansion of strong mayor powers to 169 municipalities underscores the province’s continued push to meet aggressive housing targets by streamlining local decision-making. This is controversial, but consistent with the government’s strategy to build 1.5 million homes in the next 10 years. Meanwhile, the $213 million investment in primary care aims to address ballooning wait times and a growing shortage of family doctors, particularly in underserved areas. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming Stan Cho announced a $50 million boost to the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, stating a clear bet on culture as an engine for local jobs, tourism, and economic growth. The update to Parliamentary Assistant roles is also worth noting: it not only helps with workload as government initiatives ramp up, but it ensures political cohesion within the PC caucus by giving most MPPs a defined role (and a bit more salary), avoiding potential backbench friction.
Beyond the headlines, there are longer-term currents to watch. Ontario’s measles outbreak, now over 800 cases, has public health officials on edge and is prompting calls for better vaccination outreach. The continued delay of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT raises questions about procurement and project management, while new service delivery pilots at ServiceOntario suggest the government is starting to test ways to modernise how people access public services. Beyond the bold headlines and ribbon cuttings, this week offered a clearer view of the province’s efforts to take on long-standing challenges with long-term solutions.
Top Alberta Stories
Premier Danielle Smith is back in Alberta today after spending the latter half of the week in eastern Canada. Her mission to Montreal and Ottawa was focused on exploring avenues to enhance interprovincial and international trade and investment ties, but the Premier also spoke to a roaring crowd at the Canada Strong and Free Network Conference.
While politics has been taking centre stage lately, policy has been a major focus for the Alberta government as the spring session is in full swing. New bills were introduced almost every day this week and some are going over better than others.
On Tuesday, Alberta Municipal Affairs minister Ric McIver introduced Bill 50, the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act. While the bill proposes changes to three existing laws: the Local Authorities Election Act, the Municipal Government Act, and the New Home Buyer Protection Act, it’s the automatic repeal of all municipal codes of conduct that’s getting the most attention.
Minister McIver said, “it’s been used as a weapon to try to silence and diminish and hurt their fellow council members. Leader of the official opposition, Naheed Nenshi, called the bill an affront to local voters. The former Calgary mayor said, “municipal officials will be able to do anything they want with no disclosure and no repercussions, and I think most municipal officials will say that is an extraordinary infringement on the rights of councils to be able to discipline their own members.”
Minister McIver was clear guardrails for severe misconduct would remain in place, including provincial legislation that prohibits spending money outside approved budgets, and Canada’s Criminal Code, which governs criminal conflict of interest rules. However, it’s another big shift for municipalities who are going into an election in less than six months. Late last year, the government also unveiled new regulations that allowed corporate and union donations in local elections and introduced optional political parties for Calgary and Edmonton's municipal campaigns.
It wasn’t the only announcement this week focused on rights and freedoms. Proposed amendments to the Emergency Management Act would update the definition of “emergency” to increase the threshold required to access the powers provided under the act. It’s just one piece of the proposed legislation, Bill 49, that would also amend the Public Safety Statues Amendment Act to lay the groundwork for a new police service. The Alberta Sheriff Branch Officers Association expressed concern with a potential new agency saying in a news release, “the proposed transition of approximately 600 sheriffs into the new police agency creates several challenges, including job displacement, confusion regarding roles, loss of specialized duties, and disruption to public trust.”
With the House scheduled to rise in mid-May and a lot of legislation left to go, there is a motion to bring back evening sittings Monday to Wednesday. It’s expected to pass as the UCP government continues to move through its heavy legislative agenda.
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April 14, 2025: Ontario Legislature Returns
April 15, 2025: Ontario speech from the Throne
