- The Alberta government is moving to eliminate mandatory municipal Codes of Conduct, arguing they have been misused by Councillors to target their colleagues. Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver described the codes as being “weaponized” in internal political disputes, creating dysfunction in councils. Under Bill 50, existing conduct complaints not already before the courts would be dropped, and a consultation process will begin to explore alternatives. McIver suggested a provincial Ethics Commissioner could oversee future conduct issues to ensure fairness.
- The Province is launching a new acute care funding model that shifts to activity-based funding, aiming to increase surgical volumes and reduce wait times by rewarding facilities based on performance. Premier Danielle Smith says the change will encourage competition and efficiency among hospitals, including public and private providers. The newly created Acute Care Alberta will oversee the system, with Alberta Health Services now acting as just one of several service providers.
- Alberta is moving forward with legislation to allow hydrogen blending into natural gas for home and business heating, aiming to reduce emissions as part of its 2021 Hydrogen Roadmap. The proposed blend would include up to 5% hydrogen, with community consultation required before implementation. A pilot project in Fort Saskatchewan is already supplying blended gas to over 2,000 homes, while plans for a pure hydrogen community are being explored.