Government House Leader Jason Nixon. (Supplied by Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko

Province talks legislation for enforcing COVID-19 orders, home renters, and oil wells

Mar 31, 2020 | 10:44 AM

EDMONTON, AB – The United Conservative Party will be introducing a trio of bills that they say will help Albertans get through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Government House Leader Jason Nixon talked about Bill 10, the Public Health Emergency Powers Amendment Act 2020; Bill 11, the Tenancy Statutes Emergency Provisions Amendment Act 2020; and Bill 12, the Liabilities Management Statutes Amendment Act 2020.

“Our government understands that this is a challenging period of uncertainty for many Albertans,” says Nixon. “We want to assure people we are working quickly to ensure that legislation relevant to fighting the spread of COVID-19 and that our economy is set up for success once the worst of the virus passes. Albertans can be certain we are working diligently with the Opposition to address the challenges associated with COVID-19.”

Bill 10

Bill 10 will do what Premier Jason Kenney announced last week regarding the enforcement of public health orders during pandemics such as COVID-19.

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It proposes changes to the Public Health Act. Law enforcement agencies, such as police and community peace officers would be able to enforce such as mandatory self-isolation, restrictions on gatherings and businesses, and others. The public is asked to submit complaints regarding COVID-19 to Alberta Health Services, not police.

Justice Minister Doug Schweitzer says fines will be as follows:

“Fines now administered through tickets for violating an order have increased from up to $100 per day to a prescribed fine of $1,000 per occurrence. Courts will also have increased powers to administer fines of up to $100,000 for a first offence and up to $500,000 for a subsequent offence for more serious violations.”

Bill 11

“If this bill passes, the Act will ensure no one will be retroactively charged for rent increases or late fees while the State of Public Health Emergency is in effect.”

Nixon says he understands that many Albertans have been laid off in recent weeks or had their pay significantly reduced through other means.

Bill 11 will also protect mobile home tenants who own their units but rent the space.

Bill 12

Bill 12 takes steps to reduce the number of orphan wells in the province.

“If passed, the Act will enable orphan well associations to better manage and accelerate the cleaning up of wells and sites who do not have a responsible owner.”

Nixon believes this will boost employment in the oil service sector and “protect jobs during these challenging economic times.”