Bill 28 legislative updates proposed for municipalities
The Government of Alberta introduced Bill 28, the Municipal Affairs and Housing Statutes Amendment Act, on April 2, 2026. The legislation is a large omnibus bill that proposes several amendments to the Municipal Government Act (MGA), the Alberta Housing Act, and the Libraries Act. Given the complexity of the legislation, Alberta Municipalities (ABmunis) will be gathering your feedback to help inform our advocacy on the Bill and its implementation, which will include extensive regulatory development.
Councillor Accountability Framework
Included in the proposed amendments is a Councillor Accountability Framework that will establish expectations for councillor behaviour.
ABmunis welcomes this development, highlighting that advocacy efforts have focused on replacing previously repealed codes of conduct and supporting the use of independent third-party investigators to handle complaints. The specifics of the framework will be shaped through upcoming regulations, and the Minister has committed to engaging municipalities and associations throughout this process.
What's Next?
In response, ABmunis is conducting a comprehensive analysis of the legislation to ensure municipal voices are reflected in its implementation.
A draft report detailing key changes, implications, and ABmunis’ proposed position will be released later this week. This will provide members with insights into how Bill 28 may impact their communities and governance structures. To further support understanding and engagement, ABmunis is hosting a webinar for municipal elected officials and staff on April 14, 2026, at noon. Register here for the webinar.
Looking ahead, the Alberta government will develop several supporting regulations and orders to supplement Bill 28. ABmunis is committed to working closely with its members to gather feedback and advocate for practical and effective regulations. Your input will be crucial in shaping these details and ensuring municipal concerns are addressed.
We encourage all members to join us on April 14 for the webinar and share their thoughts and questions. If you have immediate questions or recommendations, please reach out to your ABmunis Board representative or advocacy [at] abmunis.ca (email our Policy and Advocacy team).
