Provincial government promises 15 new acts of legislation ahead of fall session

The Alberta Legislature is seen in Edmonton on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

Members of the legislative assembly are preparing to return to session this week as the provincial government laid out its priorities for the term ahead.

Joseph Schow, the minister of jobs, economy and immigration, spoke to media on Monday regarding issues that Albertans are facing, including affordability, public safety, health care, and red tape reduction.

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“Throughout this next session as government, we have a responsibility to provide clarity in our legislation,” Schow told media on Monday.

“We anticipate that … our government will introduce at least 15 pieces of legislation, each of which is carefully designed to fix the problem, make life better for Albertans and keep it an incredible place to call home,” he said.

Schow said among the legislation would be the inclusion of the Justice Statutes Amendment Act to protect local elections by “ensuring only those who truly care and are serious about representing a community or riding are allowed on the ballot.”

Reporters in attendance asked the minister if the inclusion was a result of the Longest Ballot Initiative seen during the Federal election.

“I think it’s important when it comes to elections that Albertans have a clear understanding of who’s on the ballot, a clear ability to go and have timely results that are delivered to them,” he said. “We’re making sure that the ballots are clear (and) those who are running are generally serious about running for office.

“We have seen instances around the country where certain interest groups have taken upon themselves to confuse … some of those who are going to the ballot box and creating very long ballots – our intent is to clarify the process …

“Elections need to be very clear, and so does a candidate’s interest in why they’re running for office.”

Other new legislation includes the Public Safety and Emergency Services Statutes Amendment Act which will help the Alberta Sheriff’s Police Service “have the same treatment as other police officers in Alberta”, Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act, and allowing the display of citizenship markers on provincial IDs and driver’s licenses.

More information on the announcement can be found on the Government of Alberta’s website.

The Legislative Assembly of Alberta will begin the fall session on Thursday.