Alberta.

• Author: Rempel, Jody
• Position: Legislative Reports - Passing of former Premier Jim Prentice; activities of legislative committees

Passing of Former Premier Jim Prentice

On October 13, 2016, at the age of 60, Peter Eric James "Jim" Prentice was one of four men killed in a plane crash near Kelowna, B.C. Mr. Prentice had a long history of political involvement and public service at both the provincial and federal levels. During his tenure as the Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre-North he took on a variety of challenging cabinet portfolios, including Environment, Indian Affairs and Northern Development, and Industry. At the provincial level Mr. Prentice represented the Calgary-Foothills constituency in the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, and served as the 16th Premier of the province from September 15, 2014, to May 24, 2015, while also holding the Aboriginal Relations and the International and Intergovernmental Relations portfolios.

As news of Mr. Prentice's sudden passing spread, politicians and public figures from across the country came forward to acknowledge his leadership and contributions to public life and to express their condolences to the Prentice family. Books of condolences for the Prentice family were set up in the Legislature rotunda, the McDougall Centre in Calgary, and on the Government of Alberta website. A state memorial was held in Calgary on Friday, October 28, 2016. Public figures who spoke included Premier Rachel Notley and former Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

On October 31, 2016, when session resumed, Mr. Prentice was one of three former MLAs whose passing was noted by Speaker Robert Wanner and acknowledged with a moment of silent prayer and reflection. The Speaker noted that, having consulted with the House Leaders and the Prentice family, Members will have the opportunities to make statements in remembrance of Mr. Prentice during the days to follow.

Mr. Prentice has been remembered widely as a respected leader and mentor, a loyal friend, and, above all, for his dedication to his family.

Committee Business

On September 28, 2016, the Select Special Ethics and Accountability Committee released its report and the one-year mandate of the committee came to an end. The Committee had been tasked by the Assembly with reviewing the Election Act, the Election Finances and Contributions Disclosure Act, the Conflicts of Interest Act, and the Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act (PIDA). Part I of the report contained multiple recommendations regarding PIDA, including: the application and purpose of the Act, wrongdoings, disclosure...