Edmonton officially calling on province to scrap contentious bills aimed at municipalities
The City of Edmonton is asking the Government of Alberta to scrap two bills with big implications for municipalities.
Bill 20 includes dozens of amendments that would reshape local elections and give the province more power over municipal affairs and council members, while Bill 18 prevents provincial entities – like municipalities or post-secondaries – from accessing funding without provincial permission.
- Alberta tables gatekeeper bill on federal funding, cites housing money as last straw
- UCP able to remove councillors and axe city bylaws in new sweeping bill aimed at municipal politics
On Wednesday, city council unanimously approved a motion to ask the province to rescind both, citing a lack of stakeholder engagement.
"Consult with the municipalities, get our input, consult with other stakeholders at the universities and then bring back something that may work for everyone," Mayor Amarjeet Sohi said. "I think it could be a win-win situation for everyone if there's a little pause on it and a thoughtful approach to engagement."
Coun. Andrew Knack said the city is on board with some of the amendments in Bill 20, but many changes – like allowing corporate and union donations and adding political parties as amendments – would make elections less fair and transparent.
"Things like mandatory councillor training, that makes perfect sense," Knack said. "For all the other things, where there's clearly widespread opposition from Albertans, let's go and work through those in more detail."
On Thursday, after backlash over Bill 20, Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver promised stakeholders consultations. However, Premier Danielle Smith said Friday morning amendments would be introduced as early as this week.
- Alberta UCP facing growing pushback following introduction of municipalities bill
- 'So damn undemocratic': Edmonton mayor reacts to legislation granting province power to fire councillors or veto local bylaws
- Canadian university teachers fear Alberta gatekeeping bill threatens academic freedom
McIver told media Wednesday he "had a couple conversations" with municipal leaders and representatives, but Alberta Municipalities, an advocacy group representing the communities where 85 per cent of Albertans live, told Edmonton City Council there had yet to be any meaningful consultation.
"I had one conversation with Mr. McIver on Thursday morning over the phone, he updated me on two amendments they were looking at changing," Alberta Municipalities president Tyler Gandam told council. "I have not received that to date."
- Alberta Municipalities hasn't been asked for input on bill giving cabinet new powers
- Academics, rural municipalities raise concerns about Alberta's Bill 18
City councillors and the mayor have also expressed concerns over the additional costs that Bill 20 and Bill 18 would download onto municipalities.
Gandam said banning of electronic vote tabulators and requiring virtual public engagement options would also cost communities more, with the province giving no indication it would provide funding to support those changes.
"There'll be the potential for a lot of financial impact, especially for some of the smaller municipalities," Gandam said.
Knack, who brought forward Wednesday's motion, said the bills will have big impacts on Alberta's communities and should be given far more time for consideration and consultation.
"Trying to Frankenstein this bill into 'let's keep piecemealing it and let's keep making amendments' is not going to result in thoughtful legislation," Knack said. "Don't rush this because you have a three week deadline for the spring sitting.
"We're all ready to work together."
In a Wednesday press release, Alberta Municipalities joined Edmonton's request that Bill 20 be rescinded, calling the legislation an "attempted power grab."
"The provincial government’s silence and clear reluctance to meaningfully consult with us speaks volumes," the statement read. "Here’s what it says to us – the Government of Alberta is still not listening to Albertans.
"Instead, it is blindly ploughing ahead regardless of what many Albertans think, want, and need, and without thought to the greater impacts of the bill."
McIver has confirmed that the province is "contemplating amendments," but would not say when those would be ready or shared with municipalities.
He said he expects the bills to pass by the end of the month.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Chelan Skulski
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Robert Pickton stabbed with toothbrush and broken broom handle: victim's family
The family of one of Robert Pickton's victims says the convicted serial killer suffered an incredibly violent death at the hands of another inmate.
'It feels like freedom': Why some Albertans like going nude in nature
Few people can say they accidentally purchased a nude beach — but Shelley can. When she saw a piece of land she could fondly remember camping on was up for sale, she inquired about it and ended up purchasing it. She soon found that there were already inhabitants on it.
Father who killed one-year-old son with axe may be allowed to travel in southwestern Ontario
A Mennonite father who killed his one-year-old son with an axe may be allowed to travel to parts of southern Ontario in the coming months
Panama prepares to evacuate first island in face of rising sea level
On a tiny island off Panama's Caribbean coast, about 300 families are packing their belongings in preparation for a dramatic change. Generations of Gunas who have grown up on Gardi Sugdub in a life dedicated to the sea and tourism will trade that next week for the mainland’s solid ground.
'Check your tickets as soon as possible': Ottawa resident $70 million richer than they think
Attention Ottawa residents, a $70 million Lotto Max winning ticket was sold somewhere in the nation's capital.
Live Nation reveals data breach at its Ticketmaster subsidiary
Live Nation is investigating a data breach at its Ticketmaster subsidiary, which dominates ticketing for live events in the United States.
Jennifer Lopez cancels summer tour: 'I am completely heartsick and devastated'
Jennifer Lopez has cancelled her 2024 North American tour, representatives for Live Nation confirmed to The Associated Press.
Daughter of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt files court petition to remove father's last name
A daughter of actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt filed paperwork to legally remove "Pitt" from her name on the day she turned 18.
Kimmich slams 'racist' survey that says 1 in 5 Germans want more white players in the national team
Germany midfielder Joshua Kimmich has slammed as "absolutely racist" a survey and its findings that one in five of his compatriots would prefer more white players on the national team.