The Weekly Roundup - November 28, 2022
The province’s Q2 fiscal update was released by Finance Minister Travis Toews last week, painting a rosy picture for Alberta’s finances due to strong oil revenues and higher personal and corporate income tax, with government projecting a $12.3 billion surplus.
In a news conference Monday, Government House Leader Joseph Schow outlined the government’s priorities for the fall session; introducing a Sovereignty Act, implementing the $2.8 billion affordability package that the Premier outlined in last week’s television address, amendments to repeal Bill 21 (legislation that allowed the government to unilaterally end their master agreement with physicians in the province), amendments to the justice system and to the Police Act and introducing legislation to end adverse possession and secure property rights.
Last week, Environment Minister Sonya Savage shared that the provincial government intends to constitutionally challenge the federal government’s oil and gas emissions cap in the courts.
The Legislature will resume sitting with the Speech from the Throne tomorrow, followed by a scheduled three-week fall session. It’ll be the first test of Premier Danielle Smith and her front bench answering daily questions from NDP Leader Rachel Notley in the Legislature while promoting caucus unity.
Finally, Calgary’s city council has approved a 4-year budget plan that sees a 4.4 per cent property tax rate increase in 2023. Budget deliberations in Edmonton for their new 4-year budget are ongoing. A previous report from the City of Edmonton administration stated that to maintain existing services and account for approved growth, an 8.5 per cent tax increase in 2023 would be required.
Below, you’ll find a recap of other government announcements made and Orders in Council passed since our last edition.
Government of Alberta Announcements
Alberta’s government is moving forward with plans to twin the remaining 215 kilometres of the Highway 3 economic corridor between Saskatchewan and British Columbia.
The province is investing $4.5 million over three years to expand the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program to deliver more comprehensive support to youth and young adults in their pursuit of recovery.
Alberta in partnership with the federal government is providing $2.5 million to Ag for Life to help companies recruit, hire and retain workers in the agriculture and agri-food industry.
Albertans are invited to provide feedback until December 22 on the province’s protections for buyers of new homes through an online survey.
Minister of Technology and Innovation Nate Glubish issued a statement in response to the Canadian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association’s third-quarter report.
As December’s highest monthly default natural gas rate will be $6.167 per gigajoule, the province’s natural gas rebate program will not be triggered.
An additional $3.5 million has been allocated by the provincial government towards the New Beginnings Bursary to support 700 more low-income learners.
Minister of Justice Tyler Shandro issued a statement on a proposed expanded federal firearms ban. Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba are united in opposing the proposed ban.
Alberta’s government is doubling 211 funding from $7.5 million to more than $15 million over three years to help people access critical addiction and mental health support services in their communities.
The government is providing $10 million over two years to food banks and other civil service agencies with the first $5 million distributed in the coming weeks and the second $5 million allocated for use in 2023-24. An additional $10 million is being allocated over two years in matching funds towards Alberta food banks, charities, not-for-profits and civil society organizations.
Minister of Justice Tyler Shandro issued a statement calling on the federal government to remove the RCMP commissioner.
To help increase patient access to physicians, there will no longer be a daily cap on the number of visits a physician can fully bill.
Orders in Council
OC 374/2022: Makes the Early Childhood Services Amendment Regulation stating that an operator may not deny a child access to an early childhood services program if the child does not wear a face mask.
OC 375/2022: Makes the Private Schools Amendment Regulation, guaranteeing students and parents have access to in-person learning.
OC 376/2022: Effective December 1, 2022, reappoints Kathryn Oviatt as a member of the Alberta Human Rights Commission and designates her as Chief of the Commission and Tribunals of the Alberta Human Rights Commission for a term to expire on November 30, 2027.
Upcoming Events Calendar
November 29, 2022: Alberta Legislature Session scheduled to resume at 3 p.m. with a Throne Speech