Alberta.

AuthorRempel, Jody
PositionLegislative Reports - Legislative commitees; changes in cabinet officials

On January 15, 2013, it was announced that the Spring Sitting would commence on March 5, 2013 with the budget to be tabled two days later, on March 7, 2013. The Spring Sitting is a continuation of the First Session of the 28th Legislature, which began May 23, 2012. The Legislative Assembly of Alberta has not had a session comprising three or more sittings since the Fourth Session of the 22"d Legislature in 1992-1993.

Committee Activity

The three Legislative Policy Committees continued their work in reviewing matters relevant to their mandates. The Standing Committee on Families and Communities has received presentations for the purpose of pursuing a review related to mental health in Alberta. The Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship is currently in the process of preparing a report to the Assembly having now heard oral submissions and conducted site visits as part of its review on the feasibility of developing hydroelectric capacity on Alberta's three major northern rivers. The Standing Committee on Alberta's Economic Future has received written submissions from stakeholders and is continuing its review regarding the operation of a program enabling companies to obtain raw bitumen from the Government to upgrade it into more valuable petroleum products.

The Standing Committee on Legislative Offices reviewed the appointment of a Public Interest Commissioner pursuant to the Public Interest Protection (Whistleblower Protection) Act. Expected to come into force on June 1, 2013, this Act provides for the creation of the Public Interest Commissioner, a new Officer of the Legislature. Like the other Officers, the Public Interest Commissioner will be appointed by the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, following a recommendation by the Committee. After discussing the issue at its meeting on February 14, 2013, the Committee recommended that the Alberta Ombudsman, Peter Hourihan, be appointed the first Public Interest Commissioner.

The Select Special Conflicts of Interest Act Review Committee, appointed by the Assembly on October 23, 2012, began its review of the Act, and has put out a call for written submissions. At the Committee's direction a discussion guide has been made available to the public online, and the deadline for receipt of written submissions is March 1, 2013. In the meantime the Committee will receive research briefings from support staff and technical...

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