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EDMONTON — Alberta’s United Conservative government says the fall sitting of the legislature will focus on affordability, healthcare, public safety and cutting red tape, with at least 15 bills planned for introduction.
MLAs return Thursday at 1:30 p.m. for the start of the second session of the 31st legislature, opening with a speech from the throne. Government House Leader Joseph Schow said the session will continue the UCP’s push to “deliver results that matter,” following 55 pieces of legislation passed since the party’s re-election two years ago.
“This session, our government is going to take the steps we need to keep Alberta the best place to live, work, do business and raise a family,” Schow said.
Among the legislation expected this fall are the Health Statutes Amendment Act, finalizing the creation of the new Primary Care Alberta and Acute Care Alberta agencies, and the Public Safety and Emergency Services Statutes Amendment Act, which will lay the groundwork for the new Alberta Sheriffs Police Service. Other bills include measures to protect the rights of professionals to express opinions outside their work and streamline recognition for internationally trained workers.
Schow said the Justice Statutes Amendment Act will include changes to ensure “only those who truly care” about their communities can appear on local election ballots, a move critics are likely to view as an attempt to filter who can run. He said the government will also table amendments to recognize citizenship on driver’s licences and support tourism through an All-Seasons Resorts Act.
Schow reiterated that the government is prepared to use “whatever means necessary,” including the notwithstanding clause, to advance legislation such as the proposed Fairness in Safety and Sports Act, which would ban transgender women and girls from female sports categories.
The fall agenda also includes continued efforts to cut red tape, with the province claiming more than $3 billion in savings since 2019. Schow said the government remains “unapologetic” about pursuing economic growth through low taxes and regulatory reform. Specific legislation related to post-secondary or career colleges is also being developed to better align programs with job market needs, Schow said.
Cabinet is scheduled to meet within 24 hours of the session opening to discuss next steps on upcoming legislation and other policy measures.
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