Alberta Legislature Introduces Legislation for October Fixed Election Date, Emergency Response Updates
The Alberta government has proposed legislation to shift the fixed election date from May to October to mitigate the impact of spring natural disasters. Bill 21, the Emergency Statutes Amendment Act 2024, was introduced in the legislature on Thursday, targeting both election schedules and emergency response policies.
Changes to Emergency Management Act
The act grants the provincial government authority to assume control of local emergency responses when necessary. Municipalities play a crucial role in emergencies, but provincial resources often exceed their capabilities. The government emphasizes that local control will be maintained unless extreme circumstances arise, such as exhausted local resources or requests for provincial assistance.
Local officials will be required to provide more detailed information to the province during emergencies, including the nature of the situation, emergency powers invoked, and evacuation orders or alerts. Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis highlighted the importance of these amendments in safeguarding lives and ensuring swift emergency responses.
Fixed Election Date Adjustment
Alberta has experienced a high incidence of flood, drought, and wildfire emergencies in May and June, including the Slave Lake wildfire (2011), Calgary floods (2013), and Fort McMurray wildfire (2016). Bill 21 proposes moving the fixed election date from the last Monday in May to the third Monday in October, reducing the likelihood of natural disasters coinciding with provincial elections.
The change aligns with other jurisdictions that hold provincial elections in the fall. The next provincial election date would be moved from May 31, 2027, to October 18, 2027, if approved. Justice Minister Mickey Amery emphasized the practicality of the change and its potential to enhance coordination with other jurisdictions.
Forest and Prairie Protection Act Amendments
Proposed changes to this act aim to strengthen the province’s authority to manage wildfire emergencies on provincial lands, including Forest Protection Areas and Métis Settlements. The province can assume firefighting responsibilities on any provincial land, including Métis Settlements, and municipalities must provide critical information during wildfires. Additionally, the province can construct fireguards and remove buildings in emergency situations.
Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen highlighted the need for effective wildfire response coordination, especially given the increasing frequency of large-scale wildfires in Alberta. The amendments empower the provincial government to support local authorities when additional aid is required or intervene when necessary.
Water Act Modifications
Emergency drought or flood responses will be enhanced by the proposed changes to the Water Act. During water-related emergencies, the province can prioritize water usage in the affected area and direct water license holders to adjust their water use practices. Temporary water transfers between basins will also be permitted, providing greater flexibility in water management.
