New bill introduced in the legislature to strengthen local democracy
EDMONTON – The provincial government is working to get big money out of local elections by banning corporate and union donations in municipal and school board elections in a new bill brought forward on Monday, Nov. 5.
An Act to Renew Local Democracy in Alberta would make several updates to the existing act that governs elections for municipalities, school boards, Métis Settlements and irrigation districts.
After hearing direct feedback from Albertans, the province is proposing updates which include lowering contribution limits for individual Albertans and requiring third parties to be more transparent about contributions on top of banning corporate and union donations.
Shaye Anderson, Minister of Municipal Affairs, says they heard from Albertans that elections should be decided by people, not by money.