Delivering certainty for public health rules

Overview

The Municipal Government (Face Mask and Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination Bylaws) Amendment Act, (formerly Bill 4) makes sure COVID-19 health policies are clear, specific and the same for all Albertans across the province.

The act updates the Municipal Government Act to require municipalities to request approval from the Minister of Municipal Affairs before enacting new masking or proof of vaccination bylaws that would impact private sector operators.

As the world shifts away from pandemic restrictions, it’s important Albertans have one consistent policy to follow as we move together toward a path to normal.

Key changes

The Municipal Government (Face Mask and Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination Bylaws) Amendment Act, 2022:

• restricts the ability of municipalities to pass bylaws that contradict public health policies and rules enacted by the province
• requires municipalities to get approval from the Minister of Municipal Affairs before enacting masking or proof of COVID-19 vaccination bylaws that would impact private sector operators such as grocery stores or shopping malls; local governments would still have authority to implement these bylaws for municipal facilities like recreation centres or public transit
• ensures the minister consults Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health before making a decision on any such bylaws

Next steps

Existing bylaws on these matters are no longer in effect as the act came into force on April 21, 2022.

News

• Province delivers certainty for public health rules (March 8, 2022)