Time constraints delay amendments to Alberta's controversial Bill 20
Controversial legislation that originally aimed to give the Alberta government more power over municipalities but is expected to be scaled back did not pass through the legislature on Wednesday due to time constraints.
Bill 20 was introduced last month. It sought to give the province more powers, including the ability to repeal bylaws and remove city councillors from office.
The government was expected to table amendments to the bill around 5 p.m. on Wednesday, but because of debate on other bills, it simply ran out of time.
Ric McIver, Alberta's minister of municipal affairs, told CTV News Edmonton earlier on Wednesday that the amendment would include two changes.
Based on CTV News Edmonton conversations with municipal leaders who represent most urban and rural communities, expected changes will focus specifically on when or why a local bylaw or city councillor can be removed.
Municipal leaders have been calling for more specific language in the bill about when the province could change or repeal a bylaw, or remove a city councillor or even a mayor.
McIver said he met with local leaders to help shape the amendments, including during a phone call with Tyler Gandam, the president of Alberta Municipalities, just minutes before speaking to the media.
"The amendments are very much as a result of conversations with municipal leaders, so I'm hoping that they'll either be more unhappy or less unhappy," McIver told reporters on Wednesday at the legislature.
Bill 20 has been harshly criticized by local leaders since it was introduced about a month ago.
Edmonton city council unanimously passed a motion calling for the bill to be scrapped until further consultation was complete.
The president of the Rural Municipalities of Alberta has heavily criticized the bill, calling it the worst thing to happen to municipalities in nearly two decades.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Former Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi wins Alberta NDP leadership
Former Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi will replace Rachel Notley as the Alberta NDP leader after receiving 86 per cent of the vote on the first ballot.
Woman found dead alongside three relatives remembered as selfless, caring mother
A woman who was found dead alongside three of her family members at a home in rural southwestern Ontario this week is being remembered as a selfless, caring mother who worked tirelessly for her community.
Accessibility uproar after Olds, Alta., woman with cerebral palsy threatened with $5K fine for using mobility aid
An Olds, Alta., woman with accessibility issues is speaking out against the town after local bylaw officers informed her she would receive a $5,000 fine if she was caught using her mobility scooter on any street, sidewalk or pathway in town.
B.C. First Nations involved in salmon farming demand apology from William Shatner, Ryan Reynolds
A coalition of B.C. First Nations involved in open-net salmon farming have called on Canadian actors William Shatner and Ryan Reynolds to apologize for a profanity-laced video criticizing the wider industry.
OPINION If Dolly Parton can be cancelled, we're in serious trouble
The person most unlikely to be cancelled in U.S. history — iconic American singer, songwriter and actress, Dolly Parton — has been caught in the crosshairs of cancel culture.
Man trying to drown two children on Connecticut beach is stopped by officers, police say
A man trying to drown two small children at a Connecticut beach early Saturday morning was thwarted by police officers, according to authorities.
Vehicle involved in inter-provincial missing child investigation located in Saskatchewan
The vehicle which is believed to be involved in an inter-provincial missing child investigation has been located in Saskatchewan.
Toddler, 40-year-old identified as victims in deadly quadruple shooting in Vaughan, Ont.: police
A toddler and a 40-year-old were killed in a quadruple shooting at a Vaughan, Ont. residence Friday morning, as police announce an arrest in what they're describing as a 'targeted' incident.
'Happy Bday M8!': William meets Taylor Swift backstage at London show
Taylor Swift brought her Eras Tour to London’s Wembley Stadium on Friday with some famous faces in the audience, including the Prince of Wales and two of his children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.