The umbrella organization for Alberta’s municipalities has not been contacted by the province regarding the proposed amendments to a bill that would grant Premier Danielle Smith’s government the authority to fire councillors and cancel bylaws. Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver promised consultations, but the turnaround time appears to be tight as Premier Smith announced that the amendments will be introduced as early as next week. Alberta Municipalities, representing towns, cities, and villages in the province, has not seen any broad consultation between municipal leaders and the provincial government. The bill has faced criticism from municipal leaders, who view it as a dramatic and undemocratic overreach of power.
The proposed legislation gives the cabinet the right to fire a councillor if it is deemed in the “public interest.” Alberta Municipalities has acknowledged that the bill requires fixing but believes more needs to be done. The Rural Municipalities of Alberta organization has voiced the need for tight restrictions on the new powers granted in the bill. Minister McIver announced that amendments would be made, with the new powers only to be used as a last resort. Premier Smith stated that changes to the bill will be presented to the legislature as early as next week, in response to requests from various municipal associations for clarity on the terms of the bill.
Opposition Alberta New Democrat critic for municipal affairs, Kyle Kasawski, has called for the bill to be withdrawn, stating that there is no credible way for the government to come back with amendments to make the bill better and acceptable. He expressed doubts about the government’s ability to consult with over 300 municipalities over the weekend to gather all perspectives. Concerns have been raised about the ability of the cabinet to unilaterally fire local councillors, even in traditionally conservative rural areas. The bill also faces criticism for allowing political parties to run in Calgary and Edmonton municipal elections and permitting corporate and union donations.
The Alberta Municipalities organization, representing 85% of the provincial population, has urged the government to engage in broader consultation with municipal leaders before amending the bill. The Rural Municipalities of Alberta organization has stressed the importance of tight restrictions on the new powers granted in the legislation. Minister McIver has promised amendments to the bill to clarify the limited circumstances in which the new powers would be used. Premier Smith stated that changes to the bill would be introduced in response to requests for clarity from municipal associations.
The bill granting the government authority to fire councillors and cancel bylaws has faced criticism from municipal leaders and opposition politicians. There are concerns about the government’s ability to consult with a large number of municipalities before presenting amendments to the bill. The provisions allowing political parties to run in municipal elections in Calgary and Edmonton, as well as permitting corporate and union donations, have also come under fire. The government’s promise to consult with municipalities and make amendments to the bill in response to concerns has been met with skepticism by critics who believe the bill should be withdrawn entirely.
