Bill 48, the Red Tape Reduction Implementation Act, 2020 (No. 2) proposes 12 changes across eight ministries that will speed up approvals and reduce wait times. This legislation is another positive step towards making it as easy as possible for businesses to operate, create jobs and drive Alberta’s economy forward – a key goal of Alberta’s Recovery Plan.

“These common-sense red tape reduction initiatives show how committed our entire government is to our goal of reducing red tape and making Alberta the freest, fastest moving economy in North America.”

Grant Hunter, Associate Minister of Red Tape Reduction

If passed, changes to the Municipal Government Act will support economic growth and job creation by:

  • Speeding up timelines for subdivision and development permit approvals.
  • Creating greater certainty for developers by removing the ability of municipalities to take additional reserve land (beyond the standard amount) from developers for municipal purposes.
  • Strengthening accountability and transparency on off-site levies, resulting in less money and time spent on litigation.
  • Supporting unrelated seniors who want to live in the same household by implementing a platform commitment known as the “Golden Girls.”
  • Expanding jurisdiction of the newly formed Land and Property Rights Tribunal and will be better suited to respond to property rights issues.

“I feel the most compassionate thing we can do at this time is create jobs for Albertans. The proposed changes to the Municipal Government Act (MGA) will support economic growth and job creation. These changes further our commitment to red tape reduction across our communities.”

Tracy Allard, Minister of Municipal Affairs

“These changes to the Municipal Government Act and key regulations will address challenges and facilitate the development of fair and transparent off-site levies. The clarity in rules will reduce red tape and greatly assist industry’s continued partnerships with municipal governments across the province. The land development and residential construction industry is a key driver for Alberta’s economic recovery and the improved certainty these changes provide will only help to increase activity and create more jobs.”

Scott Fash, executive director, BILD Alberta Association

Other highlights of the bill

  • Improving access to adoption records and information for adult adoptees and family members while also reducing wait times for the information.
  • Allowing real estate transactions to close prior to final registration of land titles documents, by creating a pending registration queue at the Land Titles Office to hold a client’s spot in line.
  • Saving Alberta builders and homebuyers about $2.7 million per year by getting rid of the duplicative building assessment reports for new condominiums and residential conversions.
  • Saving 175 authorized medicine sales outlets, which sell medicines to treat livestock, $14,000 per year by removing an outdated requirement to have specially certified staff on-site.
  • Removing the Registered Historic Resource designation, which has not been used for more than a decade, without diminishing protection of Alberta’s historic properties.
  • Clearly defining “public interest” and “public safety” in the Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act to better protect Albertans and remove unnecessary government oversight.
  • Amalgamating the Municipal Government Board, New Home Buyer Protection Board, Land Compensation Board, and Surface Rights Board into a single public agency which will mean faster decisions on land-rights disputes.

Alberta’s Recovery Plan is a bold, ambitious long-term strategy to build, diversify, and create tens of thousands of jobs now. By building schools, roads and other core infrastructure, we are benefiting our communities. By diversifying our economy and attracting investment with Canada’s most competitive tax environment, we are putting Alberta on a path for a generation of growth.

Alberta's Recovery Plan