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Part of New and proposed legislation

Protecting provincial jurisdiction

The International Agreements Act (Bill 1) helps assert Alberta’s provincial priorities and safeguard our constitutional jurisdiction in international agreements signed by the federal government.

Status: The International Agreements Act received Royal Assent on November 26, 2025. 
Ministry responsible: Intergovernmental and International Relations

Overview

The International Agreements Act (formerly Bill 1), will help Alberta’s government reinforce its role in international pacts.

The former International Trade and Investments Agreement Act provided a way for Alberta’s government to declare approval of international agreements. The International Agreements Act replaces this legislation and addresses gaps to include all international agreements, not just those related to trade and investment.

This legislation makes a clear statement that Alberta will continue to actively defend and protect its provincial jurisdiction in areas of our constitutional authority.

Key changes

The International Agreements Act:

  • clarifies that international agreements signed by the federal government with subject matter that falls within provincial jurisdiction are only binding and enforceable in Alberta if implemented under provincial legislation
  • makes it clear that Alberta’s government is not obligated to accept unfavourable terms or fulfill obligations agreed to at the federal level that do not align with Alberta’s interests
  • provides Alberta with a clear opportunity to assert provincial priorities and safeguard the province’s constitutional jurisdiction

Next steps

The legislation came into force on November 26, 2025.

Alberta’s government will review international agreements to determine whether Alberta will bring forward legislation that aligns with the province’s priorities.

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