Update from the legislature – April 1, 2026
The legislature is in session this week with a constituency break scheduled for next week. At the Alberta Municipalities (ABmunis) Spring MLC, Minister of Municipal Affairs Dan Williams indicated legislation amending the Municipal Government Act will be coming later this week. This includes amendments creating a new Councillor Accountability Framework to replace Codes of Conduct that were repealed last spring. Once the bill is tabled, ABmunis will conduct an initial analysis and schedule a webinar to review the proposed changes with members.
Electoral Boundaries Commission Presents its Final Report
On March 26 the Electoral Boundaries Commission submitted its final report to the Speaker of the Legislature. The submission contains both majority and minority recommendations, with the legislature now responsible for approving new boundaries for an expanded, 89 seat legislature in advance of the October 18, 2027, provincial general election.
Animal Protection Amendment Act, 2026
On March 30, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson introduced the Animal Protection Amendment Act, 2026. Legislation proposes significantly increased fines (from a maximum of $20,000 to a new maximum of $250,000) and expands the availability of court-mandated prohibition orders. The legislation appears to be aligned with ABmunis’ 2024 resolution, calling for ABmunis to advocate to the “Government of Alberta for a comprehensive review and update of Alberta's Animal Protection Act.” ABmunis Economic Strategy Committee met with the Minister last year to advocate for the province to strengthen the legislation. Our new Policing, Justice and Emergency Management Committee will review the legislation to see if it fulfills the intent of the resolution.
Spring 2026 Legislation Status (as of Tuesday, March 31)
Leave to Introduce a Bill
Bill 24 - Alberta Whisky Act (Nally)
Bill 25 - An Act to Remove Politics and Ideology from Classrooms and Amend the Education Act, 2026 (Nicolaides)
Second Reading
Bill 18 - Safeguards for Last Resort Termination of Life Act (Amery)
Bill 21 - Interprovincial Trade Mutual Recognition Act (Schow)
Bill 22 - Animal Protection Amendment Act, 2026 (Sigurdson)
Bill 23 - Justice Statutes Amendment Act, 2026 (Amery)
Committee of the Whole
N/A
Third Reading
Bill 15 - Public Safety and Emergency Services Statutes Amendment Act, 2026 (Ellis)
Awaiting Royal Assent
N/A
Received Royal Assent
Bill 16 - Traveller Protection and Destination Development Act (Boitchenko)
Bill 17 - Fiscal Measures Statutes Amendment Act, 2026 (Horner)
Bill 19 - Appropriation Act, 2026 ($) (Horner)
Bill 20 - Appropriation (Supplementary Supply) Act, 2026 ($) (Horner)
