Alberta.

• Author: Gravel, Micheline
• Position: Legislative Reports

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The Spring sitting of the 3rd Session of the 27th Legislature commenced on February 4, 2010, with the Speech from the Throne delivered by outgoing Lieutenant Governor Norman L. Kwong. The Speech outlined the Government's plans to increase Alberta's competitiveness in the global economy and improve health care. Highlights included:

* a commitment by the Government to act on the recommendations of the Minister of Health and Wellness's Advisory Committee and to provide stable five-year funding to Alberta Health Services;

* the continued use of Alberta's Sustainability Fund to provide funding for municipalities, social programs, educational institutions, and the health care system;

* investment in research and technology solutions in response to environmental issues posed by oils sands development as well as the eventual elimination of tailings ponds;

* 100 new officers for Alberta police forces;

* the development of a new vision for education;

* equitable treatment for Albertans under universal federal programs.

On opening day Premier Ed Stelmach introduced Bill 1, Alberta Competitiveness Act. Bill 1 allows the Lieutenant Governor in Council to strike a committee to discuss and develop methods to increase Alberta's competitiveness. The committee would collaborate with government, industry, business, and Albertans to provide advice to the Government on how to foster opportunities and increase the province's access to the global economy. The Bill received Royal Assent on March 25, 2010.

Government Bills

Bills passed by the Assembly include:

* Bill 7, Election Statutes Amendment Act, 2010, amends legislation by updating the manner in which provincial elections are held. The amendments were developed in consultation with the office of the Chief Electoral Officer and based on recommendations made by the former Chief Electoral Officer in a report following the March 3, 2008, provincial general election. Under the amendments, returning officers will now be appointed by the Chief Electoral Officer rather than the Government; enumerators will be hired by returning officers under the direction of the Chief Electoral Officer; advance polls will be open to those who want to vote early; prisoners will have the right to vote; and the Chief Electoral Officer will be provided with mechanisms to explore the use of voting technologies. The opposition moved several amendments during Committee of the Whole consideration of the Bill. Some concerns included issues surrounding electronic voting as well as the lack of provisions for fixed election dates. The Bill does not contain...