This release was issued under a previous government.
The updated MGA will be introduced in the Legislature in late May. Minister Larivee will then travel to 19 communities to speak with and listen to municipal partners, community organizations, small businesses, industry, and the general public.
"Following extensive consultation during the MGA review, I am proud to be introducing the updated MGA, a modern piece of legislation that is responsive to local needs. I am looking forward to gathering more feedback from Albertans after the bill is introduced. This input will ensure that Alberta's municipalities and businesses have the tools and resources they need to build a more resilient, and diversified economy for Alberta families.”
Each session will include opening remarks from the Minister, a presentation on the MGA Review, a question and answer period with the Minister, and an open house to discuss the issues in more detail.
The town hall meetings will be held from June 1 to mid-July. Albertans are encouraged to save the date and watch for more information in the coming weeks, as venues are confirmed and online registration is opened.
- June 1: Two Hills
- June 2: Lac La Biche
- June 3: Athabasca
- June 6: Rocky Mountain House
- June 7: Calgary area
- June 9: Cochrane
- June 10: Canmore
- June 13: Edmonton area
- June 14: Hardisty
- June 15: Hanna
- June 16: Red Deer
- June 21: High Prairie
- June 22: Peace River
- June 23: Grande Prairie
- June 27: Hinton
- June 28: Whitecourt
- July 13: Brooks
- July 14: Medicine Hat
- July 15: Lethbridge
The Minister’s tour provides Albertans with the opportunity to review the proposed amendments and provide their feedback before the Legislature will complete debate of the bill during the fall sitting. All changes to the MGA, including regulations, will be proclaimed before municipal elections in fall 2017.
Background
With 650 sections, the Municipal Government Act is our province’s second largest piece of legislation and touches the daily lives of all Albertans by defining how their municipalities are governed, funded, and developed.
The current MGA review began in 2012. Consultation has been comprehensive, involving input from more than 1,250 written submissions, approximately 1,500 people at 77 community meetings, and 15 months of intensive policy discussions with municipal and industry representatives.
In Spring 2015, the Municipal Government Amendment Act (known as Bill 20) was passed in the Legislature. It covered items that received consensus from municipal and industry representatives.