Government House Leader Joseph Schow. (Chris Schwarz/Government of Alberta)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

13 PIECES OF LEGISLATION PASSED

Legislature recesses as fall session concludes

Dec 5, 2024 | 5:06 PM

The fall legislature session has concluded with 13 pieces of passed legislation, all of which government officials say were united by a theme of protecting and promoting Albertans’ rights and freedoms.

The session began with the introduction of the Alberta Bill of Rights Amendment Act, which endeavours to protect Albertan rights and freedoms in the face of an evolving world. This was followed closely by the Health Statutes Amendment Act, Education Amendment Act, and Fairness and Safety in Sport Act.

“I’m incredibly proud of the progress made by our government this session. We have remained unapologetic in our fight to protect the best interests of Albertans – whether safeguarding rights and freedoms or standing up against an over-reaching federal government, the work done this session will positively benefit Albertans now and into the future,” said Joseph Schow, government house leader and minister of tourism and sport.

Privacy and access to information legislation saw changes as well, with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act getting split into two pieces of legislation. The Protection of Privacy Act introduces the strictest penalties for privacy violations in Canada, while the Access to Information Act has modernized language and streamlined processes for better alignment with today’s digital landscape, officials say.

This session also included the passing of the second Alberta Sovereignty within a United Canada Act motion, which enables the provincial government to take strong actions to safeguard Alberta’s economy from the federal emissions cap, should it become law.

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Other legislation from this session includes:

• The Early Learning and Child Care Amendment Act, which addresses workforce challenges and aims to enhance health, safety and quality in child care.
• The Meat Inspection Amendment Act, designed to protect consumers by increasing penalties for illegal slaughter and sale of uninspected meat.
• The Service Alberta Statutes Amendment Act, which endeavours to support Alberta’s economic sector while ensuring Albertans have the protections they need and promote fairness in the workplace and at home.
• The Justice Statutes Amendment Act, which is expected to ensure effective representation, transparent crime reporting, modern processes for court evidence, and housekeeping to ensure the definition of essential infrastructure is contained in one place, which is the act.
• The Financial Statutes Amendment Act, which should ensure Alberta’s financial system continues to provide benefit programs that help Albertans when they need it, is sustainable over the long term and keeps Alberta’s economic future bright.
• The All-Season Resorts Act, intended to incentivize responsible, sustainable tourism development so that generations of Albertans and visitors alike can enjoy the province’s natural beauty.

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