Alberta.

• Author: Gravel, Michelene
• Position: Legislative Reports

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The Spring sitting of the 2nd Session of the 27th Legislature commenced on February 10, 2009, with the Speech from the Throne delivered by Lieutenant Governor Norman L. Kwong. The Speech, entitled "Facing the Future with Confidence," outlined the Government's plans to meet current challenges and to create opportunities for the future. Other highlights included:

* the release and implementation of a comprehensive plan to manage the economic, environmental, social, and infrastructure impacts and opportunities of oil sands development;

* the introduction of the Carbon Capture and Storage Implementation Act to a establish a $2 billion investment in carbon capture and storage;

* the implementation of a land-use framework through legislation to balance competing uses of land;

* the development of a long-term vision for Kindergarten to Grade 12 education through consultation with Albertans;

* the integration of ambulance and emergency medical services with other parts of the provincial health system; and

* the introduction of legislation to combat organized criminal activity.

On opening day Premier Ed Stelmach introduced Bill 1, Employment Standards (Reservist Leave) Amendment Act, 2009. The Bill provides Canadian Forces reservists in Alberta with unpaid, job-protected leave when away from their civilian jobs while serving the country. The Bill, which received Royal Assent on April 20, 2009, also entitles reservists to 20 days each calendar year for training.

Government Bills

Some Bills before the Assembly include: Bill 18, Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement Implementation Statutes Amendment Act, 2009, is an omnibus Bill that amends 11 Acts to ensure that all affected Alberta statutes are consistent with the terms of the TILMA, a bilateral interprovincial trade, investment, and labour mobility agreement between Alberta and British Columbia, which took effect April 1, 2009.

During Committee of the Whole consideration the Government moved a package of four additional administrative amendments which were agreed to and the opposition moved two amendments which were defeated. The opposition criticized the TILMA stating there was not adequate debate during development of the agreement and citing constitutional issues with an amendment to the Government Organization Act that would allow legislative authority to be delegated from the Assembly to Cabinet.

Bill 19, Land Assembly Project Area Act, outlines the process by which the Government will designate and assemble large tracts of land for major infrastructure projects such as transportation utility corridors. The legislative framework attempts to make the process more transparent and accountable when dealing with numerous landowners for large-scale land acquisitions over a long term. The opposition questioned the need for this legislation because of existing land expropriation legislation and urged the Assembly, unsuccessfully during Second Reading, to refer the Bill to a Standing Committee in order to further research and gather public input on the Bill. The Government introduced amendments during Committee of the Whole consideration to further clarify certain aspects of the legislation...