Alberta.

AuthorRempel, Jody
PositionLegislative Reports

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

2nd Session of the 29th Legislature

The 2nd Session of the 29th Legislature began on March 8, 2016. The Speech from the Throne, delivered Lieutenant Governor Lois E. Mitchell, focused on economic diversification, the environment and democratic reform. Bill 1, Promoting Job Creation and Diversification Act, which relates to establishing programs to create jobs, attract investment, and diversify the economy, received first reading that afternoon.

The following day the election for the Deputy Chair of Committees was held. The previous Deputy Chair of Committees, Richard Feehan (Edmonton-Rutherford), resigned from the position earlier in the year after being appointed to cabinet as Minister of Indigenous Relations. Two Members were nominated and allowed their names to stand for the position: Heather Sweet (Edmonton-Manning), and Prasad Panda (Calgary-Foothills). Ms. Sweet was the successful candidate having secured the minimum 50 per cent plus one majority.

Cabinet Changes

On February 2, 2016, Premier Rachel Notley announced a Cabinet shuffle adding six new ministers and increasing the total size of Cabinet to 19 Members. The new ministers include Mr. Feehan (Indigenous Relations), Christina Gray (Labour, Democratic Renewal), Stephanie McLean (Service Alberta, Status of Women), Ricardo Miranda (Culture and Tourism), Marlin Schmidt (Advanced Education), and Brandy Payne (Associate Minister of Health).

Budget 2016, presented by the President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance Joe Ceci on April 14, 2016, anticipates a deficit of approximately $10.4 billion for the 2016-2017 fiscal year. It also announced the planned implementation of a carbon levy, beginning in 2017, on the price of fuels that produce greenhouse gas emissions when combusted, including transportation and heating fuels such as diesel, gasoline, natural gas and propane. Low- and middle-income households will be eligible for a rebate to offset the costs of the carbon levy. The rebate will be calculated based on household income. Small business taxes will be reduced from 3 per cent to 2 per cent and a variety of tax incentives have been introduced to encourage investment, innovation, and economic diversification. Increased support for eligible households will also be available through income support, tax credits and child benefits. Infrastructure is also a budget priority with almost $35 billion designated for projects over the next five years.

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