'So damn undemocratic': Edmonton mayor reacts to legislation granting province power to fire councillors or veto local bylaws
A bill that would empower the Alberta government to remove elected municipal officials or strike down local bylaws is an "attack on local democracy," says the capital city's mayor.
Bill 20, the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, was announced Thursday and makes dozens of amendments to the Local Authorities Election Act and the Municipal Government Act (MGA).
- UCP able to remove councillors and axe city bylaws in new sweeping bill aimed at municipal politics
- 'So crazy': Nenshi critical of Alberta bill giving extra powers over municipalities
"I don't know who has asked for this," Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi told CTV News Edmonton Friday. "I don't know what problem the province is trying to solve when there are so many other priorities that they should be focused on."
Ric McIver, minister of municipalities, claims the bill will increase accountability and transparency in local elections.
However, Sohi and other critics called into question the transparency of giving cabinet ministers power to fire elected council members behind closed doors.
"When the province writes laws, it puts it through the legislative system where it can be debated," said Eric Adams, a constitutional law expert at the University of Alberta.
"When a law hands that power to the cabinet, then that legislative scrutiny falls completely away and now it's the cabinet themselves," he continued. "Realistically, the premier and the premier's office exercises the most of that power."
Current legislation allows the province to remove a sitting municipal official under certain circumstances.
McIver said it has never been used and did not offer specifics where the broader powers would be needed, but he did promise they would only be used in "the public interest" only as a "last resort."
When asked about limitations or guidelines to protect against abuse, McIver said," I believe the public will hold us to account in the greatest way possible, the next general provincial election."
'An authoritarian approach'
Lisa Young, a political scientist at the University of Calgary, said Bill 20 and Bill 18, which forces municipalities to get provincial approval to engage directly with the federal government, suggest the United Conservative government is seeking more power to enforce its preferences.
"There's a real sort of consolidation of power within the provincial government and a desire to impose a set of values on various institutions in the province," Young said. "It's not consistent with the notions of freedom that we've heard."
- Alberta tables gatekeeper bill on federal funding, cites housing money as last straw
- Academics, rural municipalities raise concerns about Alberta's Bill 18
- 'It's bonkers': Edmonton MP reacts to Smith's plan to veto federal-municipal deals
Sohi also believes the bill goes against the principles espoused by the premier and her cabinet.
"I'm actually surprised that a government … that takes pride in people staying in their lane, is coming in with such an authoritarian approach to regulating local governments, and basically saying that if we feel that you're not toeing the line, we can actually fire you," Sohi said. "That is so damn undemocratic."
Adams said the new powers create an "extraordinary scenario," but not one that can be challenged constitutionally.
"We might wonder whether or not that's a good idea in terms of giving the province really an open-ended power to exercise that control, but do they have that control? The Constitution says that they do."
The Alberta NDP have also criticized the proposed amendments, saying they are "dangerous" and "overreaching." None of Edmonton's twelve city councillors responded in support of the bill when asked about it Friday.
McIver repeated Friday that Bill 20 intends to make local elections more transparents and hold local officials more accountable.
"Municipalities will continue to govern affairs within their jurisdiction and the legislation strikes a balance to give Cabinet the ability to step in when municipal bylaw actions crosses into provincial jurisdiction.
"We remain committed to fairness and due process and will continue working with local authorities to ensure Albertans have the effective local representation they deserve."
For more information on Bill 20, visit the Government of Alberta website.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Chelan Skulski
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.