Albertans expect free and fair elections, recognizing that these principles are essential for a healthy democracy. During the spring session, the legislature passed legislation to strengthen voter confidence and increase transparency in local elections. Ahead of the 2025 municipal elections, Alberta’s government has developed corresponding regulations.
Bill 20, the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, made changes to the Local Authorities Election Act (LAEA) and the Municipal Government Act (MGA) to add greater transparency to local election processes and require greater accountability from local councils and elected officials. The new regulations will establish expense limits for local election campaigns across Alberta and create rules for local political parties in Calgary and Edmonton. The legislation and corresponding regulations will come into force on Oct. 31, in advance of the upcoming local election year.
“In Alberta, local elections belong to Albertans. Citizens must be able to participate fully in local elections, following clear campaign rules that apply to everyone evenly. The updates we are making for local elections and municipal governance demonstrate our commitment to accountability, to transparency and to democracy for all Albertans.”
Local Authorities Election Act
As announced when the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act was tabled during the spring 2024 legislative session, changes to the LAEA:
- permit the establishment of local political parties
- set the framework for campaign expense limits
- expand the use of special ballots in local elections
- prohibit the use of automated voting equipment, including electronic tabulators
- clarify the rules and processes for scrutineers
- allow municipalities to require criminal record checks for local candidates
Local Political Parties and Slates Regulation
Under the LAEA, the new regulations allow local political parties and slates to register and be listed on municipal election ballots in Calgary and Edmonton for the October 2025 election. The regulation for local political parties and slates outlines strict rules for their registration, operation and financial administration, similar to existing rules that govern local candidates and provincial political parties.
Local political parties and slates will not be permitted to have formal affiliation with a provincial or federal political party, may not have a name or acronym that resembles a provincial or federal political party, and will not be permitted for school board trustee elections. Local candidates will not be required to join a local political party or slate to run for office.
Expense Limits Regulation
Under the LAEA, the Expense Limits Regulation creates expense limits for local candidates and third-party advertisers across Alberta, while introducing similar limits for local political parties in Edmonton and Calgary.
The regulations specify expense limits during both the year of the election as well as non-election years. These new limits tie campaign expense limits to municipal populations and automatically adjust with changes in population over time.
The full list of the new regulations is available online.
Quick facts
- The LAEA establishes the framework for the conduct of elections in Alberta municipalities, school divisions, irrigation districts and Metis Settlements.
- The MGA establishes the rules governing the conduct of local elected officials once on council, as well as the overall administration and operation of municipal authorities in Alberta, including any policy those authorities may wish to implement.
- The Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act also made changes to the MGA and will:
- allow the provincial cabinet to order a vote of the electors to dismiss a councillor cabinet considers to be unwilling, unable or refusing to do the job for which they were elected, or if cabinet considers such a vote to be in the public interest
- allow the provincial cabinet to require a municipality to amend or repeal a bylaw if it:
- exceeds the scope of the MGA or otherwise exceeds the authority granted to a municipality under the MGA or any other statute
- conflicts with the MGA or any other statute
- is contrary to provincial policy or
- contravenes the Constitution of Canada
- unlock new tools to facilitate building affordable and attainable housing by:
- exempting non-profit affordable housing from property taxation
- letting municipalities offer multi-year residential property tax exemptions for housing developments
- requiring municipalities to provide electronic options for participation in public hearings
- restricting municipalities from holding additional public hearings that are not required by legislation
- The next round of municipal elections across Alberta is scheduled for Oct. 20, 2025.
Related information
- Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act
- Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act webpage
- Local Political Parties, Slates and Expense Limits Regulations fact sheet
- Alberta Municipal Affairs Population List
Related news
- Strengthening Alberta’s local elections (April 25, 2024)
- Alberta’s government to amend the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act: Minister McIver (May 24, 2024)