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Alberta

The first 100 days of Premier Kenney’s aggressive agenda to drive Alberta forward

Published

5 years ago

21 minute read

In his own words the government of Premier Jason Kenney has hit the ground running.  As the new provincial government hits it’s 100 Day Milestone Premier Kenney has released an update to Albertans touting the early accomplishments of his first mandate.  The video below shows a government running at break-neck speed to accomplish its goals.  Without further introduction, here’s a report from the province on the first 100 days of the Jason Kenney mandate.

Post Submitted by The Province of Alberta

Government charges ahead as it hits 100-day milestone

As it reaches its 100-day milestone, Alberta’s new government is keeping another promise by introducing a $10-million fund to stand up for Indigenous peoples’ prosperity.

The new Indigenous Litigation Fund means groups that include Indigenous people can now apply for a grant to help with legal matters when advancing Alberta’s energy and natural resource development interests.

“This fund is yet another component of our Fight Back Strategy to stand up against the foreign-funded special interests landlocking Alberta energy. Indigenous peoples who favour energy development are often left out of the conversation, and this fund will help defend their right to be consulted on major projects and ensure their voices are heard too.”

Jason Kenney, Premier

Funding can be used to support a variety of legal actions, including researching positions, developing motions, participating in trials and appeals, or intervening in processes and legal actions.

The litigation fund, along with the creation of the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation, is part of the government’s vision to help shape a better future for Indigenous people in Alberta.

The fund’s introduction is one of 68 commitments the Alberta government has met in its first 100 days. Out of 375 commitments, the Alberta government has already completed 58, and a further 10 are underway.

Backgrounder: Promises made, promises kept

In reaching its 100-day milestone, Alberta’s new government has focussed on jobs and the economy, standing up for Alberta and making life better for all Albertans.

Over the course of the summer, the province:

  • Hosted and participated in important national meetings to bring the issues that matter most to Albertans to the forefront of the national agenda, including the:
    • Western Premiers’ Conference, chaired by Premier Kenney, which led to shared support for national resource corridors to facilitate oil and gas pipelines and to improve interprovincial trade.
    • Stampede Premiers’ meeting, where a coalition of Canadian jurisdictions met to discuss improving market access for Canadian products and creating jobs.
    • Council of the Federation meeting in Saskatoon, where Premier Kenney took the bold step of unilaterally dropping all of Alberta’s procurement exceptions to the 2017 Canadian Free Trade Agreement, and secured support from 12 of 13 provinces and territories for resource corridors.
  • Continued to fight alongside several provinces against the imposition of a federal carbon tax that would hinder economic growth and punish Albertans for living ordinary lives.
  • Stood up to federal policies that are damaging Alberta’s economy with letters from several ministers to their respective federal counterparts. These letters reiterate Alberta’s positions and outline the actions that should be taken to support the province’s people, industries and economy.

Alberta has also made substantial progress on its Fight Back Strategy to defend the province’s oil and gas sector and economic interests against unfounded attacks:

  • As part of its commitment to standing up for Alberta against foreign-funded efforts to landlock Alberta’s energy resources, government has launched a public inquiry into the defamatory campaigns to landlock Alberta oil.
  • A team led by the award-winning oil and gas journalist Claudia Cattaneo will develop a strategic plan aimed at restoring Alberta’s reputation in the fight to support the oil and gas sector that brings private investment and jobs to the province.

Promises kept

The following commitments have been implemented in three priority areas:

Getting Albertans back to work:

1. Passed Bill 1, The Carbon Tax Repeal Act. Introduced on May 22, 2019; received royal assent on June 4, 2019.
2. Enacted the Job Creation Tax Cut to reduce the general tax rate on businesses to eight per cent from 12 per cent. Introduced Bill 3, the Job Creation Tax Cut Act, on May 28, 2019; received royal assent on June 28, 2019.
3. Appointed a Minister for Red Tape Reduction to implement the Red Tape Reduction Strategy. Appointed Grant Hunter as the Associate Minister for Red Tape Reduction on April 30, 2019.
4. Passed the Red Tape Reduction Act to cut the regulatory burden by one-third and the time required for regulatory decisions to be made. Introduced Bill 4, the Red Tape Reduction Act, on May 29, 2019; received royal assent on June 28, 2019.
5. Launched a Red Tape Challenge website to seek public input on cutting job-killing regulatory requirements. Launched on June 24, 2019.
6. Passed the Fair Registration Practices Act as part of the Fairness for Newcomers Action plan to ensure fair and fast assessment of immigrants’ professional credentials. Introduced Bill 11, the Fair Registration Practices Act, on June 19, 2019; received royal assent on June 28, 2019.
7. Introduced a Job Creation Student Wage to reduce youth unemployment. Announced on May 27, 2019; took effect on June 26, 2019.
8. Returned to a holiday-pay qualifying period of 30 workdays in the 12 months preceding a general holiday to help create new jobs. Introduced Bill 2, An Act to Make Alberta Open for Business, on May 27, 2019; received royal assent on July 18, 2019.
9. Reinstated the mandatory secret ballot for union certification votes to restore workplace democracy. Introduced Bill 2, An Act to Make Alberta Open for Business, on May 27, 2019; received royal assent on July 18, 2019.
10. Secured agreement from other provinces and territories to increase interprovincial mobility for apprentices and skilled tradespeople. Premier Kenney advocated for this at the July 2019 gathering of Canada’s Premiers at the Council of the Federation and at the Western Premiers’ Conference on June 27, 2019.On July 26, 2019, Alberta signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ontario to enhance opportunities in the skilled trades and expand the apprenticeship model by promoting clear learner pathways.
11. Guaranteed in law that the royalty regime in place when a well is permitted will remain in place for that project to help restore investor confidence. Introduced Bill 12, the Royalty Guarantee Act, on June 20, 2019; received royal assent on July 18, 2019.
12. Reclassified service rigs as off-road vehicles to help the struggling energy service sector. Came into force on June 28, 2019.
13. Appointed an Associate Minister of Natural Gas to give dedicated political attention to the challenges facing Alberta gas producers. Appointed Dale Nally as the Associate Minister of Natural Gas on April 30, 2019.
14. Appointed an Associate Deputy Minister of Natural Gas in the Department of Energy. Appointed David James as the Associate Deputy Minister of Natural Gas on April 30, 2019.
15. Kept the small business tax rate at two per cent. Announced on May 28, 2019.
16. Launched consultation with farmers and ranchers on the Farm Freedom and Safety Act. Launched on July 12, 2019.
17. Consulted on whether Alberta should return to an energy-only market, leading to a decision that was widely applauded by producers and consumers. Launched engagement; announced results on July 24, 2019.
18. Formed industry panels to identify unnecessary red tape in every sector of Alberta’s economy. Announced on Aug. 2, 2019.
19. Fought for market access and the reduction of interprovincial trade barriers to create jobs and grow our economy. Premier Kenney advocated for this at Council of the Federation in July 2019; Agriculture and Forestry Minister Devin Dreeshen advocated for this during the Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Minister of Agriculture meeting on July 19, 2019; Economic Development, Tourism and Trade Minister Tanya Fir sent a letter on July 31, 2019 to her federal counterpart.
20. Put foreign credential recognition on the agenda of the First Ministers Meeting to push for faster action on the “Pan-American Framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.” This item was on the agendas of the Council of the Federation meeting in July 2019 and the Western Premiers’ Conference on June 27, 2019.

Making life better for all Albertans:

21. Proclaimed the Education Act to modernize Alberta’s school system. Introduced Bill 8, the Education Amendment Act, on June 5, 2019; received royal assent on July 18, 2019; comes into force on Sept. 1, 2019.
22. Retained the general $15/hr minimum wage. Retained
23. Returned to a regular/irregular workday distinction for calculating holiday pay to give workers more flexibility. Introduced Bill 2, An Act to Make Alberta Open for Business, on May 27, 2019; received royal assent on July 18, 2019.
24. Reversed the change in 2018 that eliminated the option for workers and employers to develop straight-time banked hours arrangements to help create new jobs. Introduced Bill 2, An Act to Make Alberta Open for Business, on May 27, 2019; received royal assent on July 18, 2019.
25. Strengthened new provisions in the Labour Relations Code that have reduced the duplication of employment claims in multiple forums (such as labour relations, employment standards, arbitration and privacy). Introduced Bill 2, An Act to Make Alberta Open for Business, on May 27, 2019; received royal assent on July 18, 2019.
26. Retained recent labour law changes to new procedural powers given to the Labour Relations Board, Employment Standards, and labour arbitrators such as those that allow the focusing of complaints. Retained
27. Retained new procedures relating to the duty of fair representation (e.g. obligation of a union and its process to properly represent a union member). Retained
28. Retained the current essential services legislation. Retained
29. Retained new forms of leave adopted in recent legislation. Retained
30. Appointed an independent expert to determine why construction has not yet begun on the Springbank Dam. Appointed lawyer Martin Ignasiak on May 3, 2019.
31. Ensured all major economic development proposals continue to be subject to mandatory environmental impact assessments. Being done.
32. Respected the constitutional right to separate schools. Introduced Bill 8, the Education Amendment Act, on June 5, 2019; received royal assent on July 18, 2019.
33. Made tourism the responsibility of the Minister of Economic Development and Trade. Announced on April 30, 2019.
34. Ended costly subsidies for intermittent forms of power production. Minister Savage communicated the conclusion of the program to Alberta Electric System Operator on June 10, 2019.
35. Appointed an Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. Appointed Jason Luan as the Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions on April 30, 2019.
36. Saved $640 million by cancelling the unnecessary ‘Superlab’ and the nationalization of laboratory services. Announced on June 20, 2019.
37. Amended the Municipal Government Act to allow municipalities to offer property tax incentives to attract investment and development. Introduced Bill 7, the Municipal Government (Property Tax Incentives) Amendment Act, on June 4, 2019; received royal assent on June 28, 2019.
38. Passed the Alberta Senate Election Act to hold elections for senatorial nominees in 2021. Introduced Bill 13, the Alberta Senate Election Act, on June 26, 2019; received royal assent on July 18, 2019.
39. Supported safe schools that protect students against discrimination and bullying with amendments to the Education Act. Introduced Bill 8, the Education Amendment Act, on June 5, 2019; received royal assent on July 18, 2019.
40. Maintained the most generous charitable tax credit of any province in Canada to encourage charitable giving. Maintained
41. Passed a motion allowing free votes for MLAs on everything not deemed a confidence vote or key platform commitment. Motion passed during spring session 2019.
42. Passed a motion requiring MLAs wanting to cross the floor to resign and seek a byelection. Motion passed during spring session 2019.
43. Amended Standing Orders of the Legislative Assembly to raise the bar of civility and decorum and to stop desk-thumping in the Legislative Assembly. Standing Orders effective May 30, 2019.
44. Relaxed regulations that required enclosed events like folk festivals to keep people having a drink within unreasonable narrow zones such as fenced-in beer gardens. Announced on May 16, 2019.
45. Created a $10-million litigation fund to support pro-resource development groups that include Indigenous groups. Announced Aug. 7, 2019
46. Amended the Education Act to implement the Leadership Quality Standards. Introduced Bill 8, the Education Amendment Act, on June 5, 2019; received royal assent on July 18, 2019.
47. Facilitated the creation and operation of new charter schools by removing the cap in the Education Act. Introduced Bill 8, the Education Amendment Act, on June 5, 2019; received royal assent on July 18, 2019.
48. Advocated for a federal Indigenous consultation process that provides clear timelines and legal certainty for project proponents, consistent with the federal government’s constitutional obligations. Indigenous Relations Minister Rick Wilson sent a letter to the federal ministers of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, and Indigenous Services Canada on Aug. 6, 2019.
49. Launched a performance review of Alberta Health Services. Announced hiring of contractor to conduct review on July 18, 2019.

Standing up for Alberta:

50. Proclaimed Bill 12, Preserving Canada’s Economic Prosperity Act to defend Alberta’s vital economic interests. Announced May 1, 2019.
51. Challenged the constitutionality of the federal carbon tax by filing a judicial reference, and supported similar challenges by Saskatchewan and Ontario. Announced Aug. 2, 2019.
52. Launched a public inquiry into foreign sources of funds behind the anti-Alberta energy campaign, headed by Commissioner Steve Allen. Announced July 4, 2019.
53. Asked the Alberta energy industry to significantly increase its advocacy efforts. Announced June 7, 2019.
54. Held a summer session of the legislature. Session ran from May 21 to July 5, 2019.
55. Appointed the MacKinnon panel – an independent blue-ribbon group of experts to conduct a deep dive into Alberta’s fiscal situation. Announced May 7, 2019.
56. Lobbied for reforms to Canada’s Employment Insurance program so that Albertans who lose their jobs are treated more fairly by the system. Labour and Immigration Minister Jason Copping sent a letter to the federal minister of Families, Children and Social Development on Aug. 7, 2019.
57. Led by example by reducing Premier’s salary by 10 per cent and MLAs’ salaries by five per cent. Announced Aug. 6, 2019.
58. Building an interprovincial coalition which supports jobs, pipelines and the energy industry as evidenced by the Stampede Premiers’ Meeting, the joint letter opposing Bill C-69, and communiques from the Western Premiers’ Conference and Council of the Federation. Recent activities include Western Premiers’ Conference and Stampede Premiers’ meeting.

The following commitments are also well underway:

59. Using the persuasive power of the Premier’s “bully pulpit” to tell the truth in both official languages across Canada and around the world about how Albertans produce energy with the world’s highest environmental, human rights, and labour standards. Ongoing via social media, speeches, statements, etc.
60. Consulting on an Alberta version of Clare’s Law, which ensures Albertans at risk have fuller awareness of an intimate partner’s history of domestic violence. Initial engagement sessions were held in Calgary and Edmonton in July 2019.
61. Reversing the plan to spend $3.7 billion leasing rail cars. Announced on June 27, 2019.
62. Minimizing the red tape burden on farmers and ranchers. Several actions announced at Cut Red Tape.
63. Reversing four years of reductions in the fight against the mountain pine beetle by increasing funding by $5 million to $30 million annually. Agriculture and Forestry Minister Devin Dreeshen sent a letter on July 5, 2019 to the federal ministers of Natural Resources, Environment, and Public Safety, requesting federal funding.
64. Supporting the recommendation of the Canadian Artists’ Representation to have Parliament amend the Copyright Act to require that a five per cent royalty be paid to visual artists on the resale of their work. Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women Minister Leela Aheer discussed this in a meeting with the federal minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism during the June 2019 meeting of federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for culture and heritage.
65. Reviewing the Connect Care contract and My Health Care Records to reduce potential duplication of services and ensure maximum effectiveness. Issued an RFP on July 12, 2019.
66. Maintaining existing GoA capital plan for 2019-20 through 2022-23. Ongoing support for capital projects including sending endorsement letters to the federal government in support of projects that qualify for funding from the federal Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
67. Requiring all universities and colleges to develop, post and comply with free speech policies that conform to the University of Chicago Statement on Principles of Free Expression. Announced ongoing work with universities and colleges on July 29, 2019.
68. Seeking exemption from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) stress tests. Premier Kenney raised this in meetings with Prime Minister Trudeau and the federal minister of Finance in Ottawa on May 2, 2019.
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After 15 years as a TV reporter with Global and CBC and as news director of RDTV in Red Deer, Duane set out on his own 2008 as a visual storyteller. During this period, he became fascinated with a burgeoning online world and how it could better serve local communities. This fascination led to Todayville, launched in 2016.

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Alberta

Political parties will be part of municipal elections in Edmonton and Calgary pilot projects

Published on April 25, 2024

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Strengthening Alberta’s local elections

Alberta’s government is introducing legislation to ensure Albertans can rely on transparent, free and fair elections, and municipally-elected officials have clearer accountability measures.

In a democratic society, Albertans expect their local elections to be free and fair, and their elected officials to be held to account by clear rules that govern their local councils. The Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act proposes amendments to the Local Authorities Election Act (LAEA) and the Municipal Government Act (MGA) to add greater transparency to local election processes and ensure local councils and elected officials continue to remain accountable to the citizens who elected them.

“Our government is committed to strengthening Albertans’ trust in their local governments and the democratic process that elects local leaders. The changes we are making increase transparency for Alberta voters and provide surety their votes will be counted accurately. We know how important local democracy is to Albertans, and we will work with local authorities to protect and enhance the integrity of local elections.”

Ric McIver, Minister of Municipal Affairs

Local Authorities Election Act

Albertans expect free and fair elections and that’s why it’s important we strengthen the rules that govern local elections. To strengthen public trust in local elections, Alberta’s government will eliminate the use of electronic tabulators and other automated voting machines. All Albertans should be able to trust the methods and results of local elections; requiring all ballots to be counted by hand, clarifying rules and streamlining processes for scrutineers will provide voters greater assurance in the integrity of the results.

All eligible Albertans should be able to vote in local elections without impediment. Alberta’s government will limit the barriers for eligible voters to cast a ballot by expanding the use of special ballots. Currently, special ballots can only be requested for very specific reasons, including physical disability, absence from the municipality, or for municipal election workers. By expanding the use of special ballots, the government is encouraging more voter participation.

Amendments in the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act would increase transparency in local elections by enabling political parties at the local level. Political parties would be enabled in a pilot project for Edmonton and Calgary. The act will not require candidates to join a political party in order to run for a local or municipal office, but will create the opportunity to do so.

In addition, proposed changes to the Local Authorities Election Act would allow municipalities the option to require criminal record checks for local candidates, thus increasing transparency and trust in candidates who may go on to become elected officials.

Municipal Government Act

The role of an elected official is one with tremendous responsibility and expectations. Changes proposed to the Municipal Government Act (MGA) will strengthen the accountability of locally elected officials and councils. These include requiring mandatory orientation training for councillors, allowing elected officials to recuse themselves for real or perceived conflicts of interest without third-party review and requiring a councillor’s seat to become vacant upon disqualification.

If passed, the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act will also unlock new tools to build affordable and attainable housing across Alberta. Proposed amendments under the MGA would also create more options for municipalities to accelerate housing developments in their communities. Options include:

  • Exempting non-profit, subsidized affordable housing from both municipal and education property taxes;
  • Requiring municipalities to offer digital participation for public hearings about planning and development, and restricting municipalities from holding extra public hearings that are not already required by legislation; and
  • Enabling municipalities to offer multi-year residential property tax exemptions.

Municipal Affairs will engage municipalities and other partners over the coming months to hear perspectives and gather feedback to help develop regulations.

Quick facts

  • The LAEA establishes the framework for the conduct of elections in Alberta municipalities, school divisions, irrigation districts and Metis Settlements.
  • The MGA establishes the rules governing the conduct of local elected officials once on council, as well as the overall administration and operation of municipal authorities in Alberta, including any policy those authorities may wish to implement.

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Alberta

Alberta official reveals ‘almost all’ wildfires in province this year have been started by humans

Published on April 25, 2024

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From LifeSiteNews

By Clare Marie Merkowsky

Alberta Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen said his department estimates that most of the province’s wildfires this year are man-made and not caused by ‘climate change.’

Alberta officials have announced that almost all fires in 2024 are believed to have been caused by humans despite ongoing claims that “climate change” is to blame.

On April 24, Alberta Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen revealed that his department estimates that most of the province’s wildfires this year are man-made and not caused by “climate change” as claimed by mainstream media and politicians.

“We expect that almost all of the wildfires we’ve experienced so far this year are human caused, given the point we’re at in the season and the types of weather we’re seeing,” Loewen stated.

 Already, Alberta has put out 172 wildfires this year, and 63 are actively burning. However, Loewen did not seem overly alarmed, instead warning Albertans to watch their local fire bans and restrictions to reduce the high number of man-made wildfires.  

“I urge you to assess your property for wildfire danger and take any preventive action you can to address these risks,” he said.

“This includes breaking up fuel sources that could ignite a structure, removing trees in close proximity to your home, and properly maintaining your gutters and roofs to rid the materials that could easily ignite such as leaves and dry needles,” Loewen added.

Loewen’s announcement comes just weeks after Alberta Premier Danielle Smith promised that arsonists who ignite wildfires in Alberta will be held accountable for their crimes.

“As we approach the wildfire season, it is important to understand that 67% of wildfires in Alberta are started by people,” she explained.

“If you start a wildfire, you can be charged, fined, and held liable for all costs associated with fighting the wildfire,” Smith added.

“All I know is in my province we have 650 fires and 500 of them were human caused,” she said, “so we have to make sure that when people know that when it’s dry out there and we get into forest fire season that they’re being a lot more careful because anytime you end up with an ignition that happens it can have devastating consequences.”

The Alberta government has also created an ad campaign highlighting the fact that most fires are caused by humans and not “climate change,” as many left-leaning politicians claim.

As reported by LifeSiteNews last year, Smith ordered arson investigators to look into why some of the wildfires that raged across the vast expanse of the province had “no known cause” shortly after they spread.

Indeed, despite claims that wildfires have drastically increased due to “climate change,” 2023 research revealed that wildfires have decreased globally while media coverage has spiked 400 percent.

Furthermore, many of the fires last spring and summer were discovered to be caused by arsonists and not “climate change.”

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have arrested arsonists who have been charged with lighting fires across the country, including in the Yukon, British Columbia, and Alberta.

In Quebec, satellite footage also showed the mysterious simultaneous eruption of several blazes across the province, sparking concerns that the fires were a coordinated effort by arsonists.

Despite the overwhelming evidence, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and mainstream media continue to claim that the fires are unprecedentedly dangerous and caused by “climate change” in an attempt to pass further regulations on natural resources.

The reduction and eventual elimination of the use of so-called “fossil fuels” and a transition to unreliable “green” energy has also been pushed by the World Economic Forum (WEF) – the globalist group behind the socialist “Great Reset” agenda – an organization with which Trudeau and some in his cabinet are involved.

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