Legislative assembly, Alberta.

• Author: Reynolds, Robert

The First Session of the Twenty Fourth Legislature adjourned on June 16, 1997. During the sitting, the Assembly passed 29 government Bills, 3 private members' public Bills, and 7 private Bills.

Government Bills

This session saw Royal Assent given to a number of Government Bills. The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Amendment Act was introduced by the Premier as Bill 1. The Act allows "local public bodies" (public educational institutions, health authorities, and municipalities) to be brought under the Legislation on a sector by sector basis.

* The Alberta Treasury Branches Act changes the status and operations of the Alberta Treasury Branches (ATB). Notably, it transforms the ATB into a provincial Crown corporation giving the Board and management greater autonomy from Government, and allowing it to remunerate employees at rates comparable to charter banks.

* The Child Welfare Amendment Act, 1997 deals with child prostitution and adoption. The Act includes "prostitution related activities" in the definition of child sexual abuse. The Act also incorporates the Hague Convention on intercountry adoptions making Alberta the sixth province to do so.

* The School Amendment Act, 1997 introduces performance bonds for students in an effort to improve attendance and course completion. The Act also extends the terms of school board trustees from 3 to 5 years; places limits on school board borrowing; improves the process for establishing separate school districts; and, permits boards to charge foreign students market-value tuition fees.

* The Election Amendment Act, 1997 repeals the prohibition on political parties, political candidates, or other persons, from advertising on any broadcasting facility on the day preceding an election and the day of an election. This Bill brings Alberta legislation in line with a 1996 ruling by the Alberta Court of Appeal which struck down a ban contained in the federal Election Act on political advertising on the days leading up to an election.

* The Local Authorities Election Amendment Act, 1997 allows for the creation of a permanent voters list at the municipal level; enables municipalities to accept nominations at more than one location; ensures that the fines and penalties contained within the Act are consistent with those in the Election Act; and, adds 2 new categories of voters eligible to vote at advance polls, namely, seniors living in a senior citizens facility and those who cannot vote on...