Legislature
- The Legislature is now on break for the summer. It is currently scheduled to return at the end of October, though this is by no means final, and could be changed - especially with the prospect of a new Premier with a new agenda. Despite the Legislature not sitting, the work of our MLAs continues, with committees continuing to meet (see below), local and constituency meetings, and more.
- Though the Legislature has finished, committees are continuing, with the Standing Committee on The Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund meeting this morning from 7:45 am to 9:45 am to discuss the fund’s third-quarter report. There will also be a meeting of the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing on Tuesday from 10:00 am to 11:30 am to discuss the allocation of speaking and business time in the Legislature.
- Restaurants in Alberta no longer need approval from Alberta Health Services to allow dogs on their patios. However, restaurants are not obligated to allow dogs. Choice! What a novel concept! If you want to dine with your dog this summer, call your favourite restaurant to make sure they are participating before showing up with Fido.
- The Legislature won't be sitting due to a scheduled constituency week. Sittings will resume on Tuesday, May 24th, after the long weekend.
- The Select Special Information and Privacy Commissioner Search Committee meets twice this week. The first meeting is this morning from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. On Wednesday, the Committee meets at the same time. No agenda has been posted for either meeting yet.
- The results of the United Conservative Party leadership race are expected on Wednesday. Jason Kenney, whose leadership is up for review, has vowed to remain at the helm of the party as long as he receives 50%+1.
- After a two-week hiatus, the Legislature will be sitting for morning, afternoon, and evening sessions Tuesday and Wednesday, but only for morning and afternoon sessions on Thursday. When business gets underway on Tuesday, the Assembly will consider Bill 2, the Financial Statutes Amendment Act (2022) and Bill 10, the Health Professions (Protecting Women and Girls) Amendment Act (2022).
- Committees will be busy this week. On Tuesday, from 8:00 am to 10:00 am, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts will meet to consider the Ministry of Municipal Affairs Annual Report as well as the Committee’s own annual report. On Thursday, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, the Standing Committee on Private Bills and Private Members’ Public Bills will meet to discuss Bill 204 (the Anti-Racism Act) as well as Bill 205 (the Human Tissue and Organ Donation (Mandatory Referral) Amendment Act, 2022). Finally, the Select Special Information and Privacy Commissioner Search Committee will meet on Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. No agenda has been posted for this meeting yet.
- A bounty on wild pigs is now available in Alberta. The government is paying $75 dollars per boar, as well as asking Albertans to report any sightings or signs of the animals. The bounty program will be administered by participating municipalities. So far, Stettler County and the Municipal District of Peace have signed on.
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