UCP ends spring legislature passing controversial bills

After 40 days and roughly 1.3 million recorded words, the spring sitting of the Alberta legislature wrapped up Wednesday night. 

The UCP insists they passed Bills 18 and 20 to protect provincial jurisdiction and hold municipal leaders accountable — critics however call the results of the session an undemocratic power grab. 

“This premier has given herself the authority to override decisions taken by democratically elected politicians at the local level, on the basis of entire discretion, with no limit,” said Rachel Notley.

That’s a reference to Bill 20 which makes it easier for the province to overrule local bylaws, allows the UCP the right to start a recall of councillors and mayors, and paves the way for political parties in Calgary and Edmonton. 

“It’s a good bill. The municipalities’ life tomorrow, if the bill passes, will become the same as it was yesterday,” said Ric McIver, Municipal Affairs Minister.

In the legislature this week, Premier Danielle Smith acknowledged Alberta is taking a page from the Quebec playbook with Bill 18, which requires municipalities, universities, and school boards to run any deals with Ottawa through the province first. 

“I just want to give my thanks to the officials in Quebec for assisting us as we drafted this legislation. Because in Alberta, this is no longer talk, we are taking action,” said Smith.

Smith used recent housing money as an example for why Bill 18 is needed, saying Ottawa gave $900 million taxpayer dollars to the province, not individual cities.

Trudeau’s Liberals did not work with Alberta’s provincial government and went directly to the communities receiving the federal funds. 

“The prime minister flew in, did a press conference without contact us, without contacting our ministers, and announced $230-some million for the City of Calgary,” said Smith.

A UCP majority voted to limit debate several times during the session including on Bill 20, which has been loudly opposed by local leaders in both urban and rural Alberta. 

“This is a government that doesn’t respect the institution of democracy. It doesn’t respect the will of the people,” said Notley.

The UCP didn’t break any laws in their heavy-handed approach and may be thinking they won’t be hurt in the long run with an election not until 2027.

“I think there’s a calculation being made that they’re going to do a lot of things now and then hope that voters forget before the next election,” said Lori Williams, Mount Royal University.

The legislature resumes with the fall sitting at the end of October — the NDP will have a new leader by then.