If passed, the Justice Statutes Amendment Act, 2026 would lower the threshold for public sector compensation reporting, enhance open and accessible democratic processes and protect the integrity of Alberta’s elections by prohibiting the creation and distribution of deepfakes.

“Albertans deserve transparency from their government, which is why strengthening public sector compensation reporting remains a priority. At the same time, we continue to refine our democratic process legislation to protect the integrity of our elections and ensure Albertans can have full confidence in our democracy.”

Mickey Amery, Minister of Justice

Public Sector Compensation Transparency Act

The compensation disclosure threshold under the Act would be lowered to $130,000 to strengthen public accountability. The requirement for a second severance disclosure in the calendar year would be removed to return to a single annual disclosure as recommended by the Standing Committee on Families and Communities. These updates to the Public Sector Compensation Transparency Act would maintain strong transparency while reducing red tape.

Citizen Initiative Act

Proposed amendments to the Citizen Initiative Act would enhance transparency and accountability by allowing the Minister of Justice and petition proponent to appoint scrutineers to observe the signature verification process. To make sure signature sheets are available if there are concerns about the verification process, successful citizen initiative petition signature sheets would need to be kept for two years, rather than the current one-year requirement. Deadlines for holding a referendum resulting from a successful citizen initiative proposal would be repealed. Repealing fixed deadlines would allow referendums to be scheduled appropriately.

Recall Act

Similar to other amendments, proposed changes would allow the MLA named in the recall petition and the petition applicant to appoint scrutineers. Amendments to the Act would also clarify that the Chief Electoral Officer must keep successful recall petition signature sheets until a recall vote is complete.

Election Finances and Contributions Disclosure Act

Alberta’s government is addressing the issue of deepfakes and ensuring elections remain fair and honest. The creation and distribution of deepfakes that are likely to mislead voters about the conduct or statements of a candidate would be prohibited. Individuals could be fined a maximum penalty of $10,000 and entities could be fined $100,000 if found to not comply with the restrictions on deepfakes.

Together, these changes would refine our election, recall, and citizen initiative processes and enhance trust.

Quick facts

  • The Justice Statutes Amendment Act, 2026 amends the following legislation:
    • Public Sector Compensation Transparency Act
    • Citizen Initiative Act
    • Recall Act
    • Election Finances and Contributions Disclosure Act
  • The Public Sector Compensation Transparency Act requires disclosure of compensation and severance for employees earning over a specified threshold and all public agency board members every June 30.
  • The threshold would be lowered from $133,813 to $130,000 for Government of Alberta employees and $159,676 to $130,000 for broader public sector bodies.
  • Deepfakes are seemingly realistic media, appearing to depict a real person, that are digitally created or manipulated. 
  • Deepfakes would be prohibited if they are likely to mislead electors about the conduct or statements of:
    • a party leader
    • a leadership or nomination contestant
    • a candidate
    • a minister
    • an MLA
    • the Chief Electoral Officer
    • the Election Commissioner
    • Elections Alberta employees
    • election officers

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