Overview
In 2024, Alberta’s government passed the Provincial Priorities Act to push back against overreach by the federal government. The act ensures Ottawa is not undermining the province’s jurisdiction to make decisions about what is best for Alberta and Albertans.
The legislation is implemented through a supporting Provincial Priorities Regulation, which sets out the approval process, any requirements to be met before a provincial entity may enter into an agreement with the federal government as well as any exceptions to the legislation.
Requirements
Starting April 1, 2025, municipalities and designated municipal entities such as regional services commissions, library boards, and municipally controlled corporations must submit all new agreements with the federal government, as well as all new amendments, extensions and renewals to previously executed agreements with the federal government to Municipal Affairs.
Agreements subject to minister or Cabinet approval must be submitted prior to execution and will be evaluated whether they:
- align with Alberta’s priorities and fiscal plans
- overstep into areas of provincial jurisdiction
- place unacceptable restrictions on Alberta’s ability to implement its own policies and programs
Exceptions
Agreements designated as exceptions will not require approval but must be submitted as soon as possible after their execution for the exception to apply.
Exceptions for municipalities and municipal entities include:
- agreements with no federal funding or in-kind contributions
- agreements with less than $100,000 in federal funding
- agreement amendments, extensions and renewals that meet specific conditions outlined in section 7(1) of the regulation
- agreements or amendments between the federal government and municipally controlled corporations
- agreements or amendments between the federal government and the City of Lloydminster, the Municipality of Jasper, or the Town of Banff
- agreements or amendments for the purpose of responding to a disaster or emergency
For a full list of exceptions, refer to Provincial Priorities Regulation.
How to submit agreements
Effective April 1, 2025, email copies of the municipal sector agreements with the federal government along with a completed Provincial Priorities Act Agreement Intake form to: [email protected].
Resources
- Provincial Priorities Act Agreement Intake form
- Provincial Priorities Act Municipal Sector fact sheet
- Provincial Priorities Act
- Provincial Priorities Regulation
Contact
Connect with Municipal Affairs:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-422-7125
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]