Alberta.

• Author: Massolin, Philip
• Position: ASSEMBLEE NATIONALE - Report

The Fall Sitting of the First Session of the 28th Legislature commenced on October 23, 2012. At the time of writing, the Assembly had passed eight Government Bills. Two Government Bills and four Private Members' Bills remain on the Order Paper for the Assembly's consideration.

Bill 2, Responsible Energy Development Act, received third reading on November 21. This Bill was contentious, receiving much debate, especially in Committee of the Whole, in which over 20 amendments were proposed. Debate on Bill 2 was a chief contributor to a marathon sitting of the Assembly, which began at 1:30 p.m. on November 20 and lasted until 1:03 p.m. on November 21.

Bill 2 establishes the Alberta Energy Regulator, with a mandate that provides for "the efficient, safe, orderly and environmentally responsible development of energy resources in Alberta through the Regulator's regulatory activities." With respect to energy activities, it regulates "the disposition and management of public lands, the protection of the environment, and the conservation and management of water, including the wise allocation and use of water" in accordance with the Bill and other legislation. The Bill is intended to streamline the provincial regulatory processes concerning certain energy resource projects. Bill 2 awaits Royal Assent.

Bill 3, Education Act, replaces Alberta's School Act. It is the third consecutive session in which such a bill has been proposed. The Bill, among other things, grants natural person powers to school boards, defines bullying and requires school boards to develop a student code of conduct addressing bullying behaviour, including cyber bullying. Additionally, Bill 3, among other things, raises the age of mandatory school attendance from 16 to 17 years, requires schools boards to collaborate with post-secondary institutions and communities to enable transitions from high school to postsecondary education or to the workforce, and establishes criteria for the creation of charter schools.

Bill 4, Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act, is currently being considered in Committee of the Whole. The Bill establishes the Public Interest Commissioner and sets up processes for employees in the public sector to disclose certain wrongdoings that relate to departments, public entities, or offices of the Legislature, including the contravention of an Act or regulation or the gross mismanagement of public funds.

Bill 5, New Home Buyer Protection Act...