Health, distracted driving bills highlight Alberta’s fall legislative agenda
Legislation ensuring a more patient-focused health care system for Albertans will highlight the fall session of the provincial Legislature, which re-convenes on Monday, October 25 at 1:30 p.m. It is anticipated that the government will introduce at least 11 new bills for debate by MLAs.
“This fall’s legislative session continues to address the priorities of Albertans,” said Government House Leader Dave Hancock. “The legislation we’ll be bringing forward will allow us to build a more sustainable health care system and ensure our communities continue to be safe and prosperous.”
Highlights of proposed legislation include:
- The Alberta Health Act, which will establish overarching principles to guide the ongoing operation of the health system and the development of future health legislation.
- The Electoral Divisions Act, which will update the boundaries of Alberta’s electoral divisions for the purposes of provincial elections. The Electoral Divisions Act is being prepared in anticipation of the Legislature approving the report of the electoral boundary commission.
- The Government Organization Amendment Act, 2010, which promotes trade by extending the existing provisions of TILMA to the New West Partnership Trade Agreement (NWPTA). The NWPTA includes the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan.
- The Alberta Parks Act, which will simplify the parks classification system for the public and fulfill commitments made to Albertans in the Plan for Parks.
- Family Law Statutes Amendment Act, 2010 and Wills and Succession Act: amendments will result in important changes that will help people deal with their personal property and family obligations in a fair and reasonable way.
Bill 16, the Traffic Safety (Distracted Driving) Amendment Act, 2010 is carried over from the spring sitting. The bill proposes measures beyond restricting cell phones and texting to deal more effectively with the larger issue of distracted driving.
The Assembly will recess for a Constituency Week from November 8 to November 11, allowing MLAs to travel to their constituencies for Remembrance Day ceremonies. The Legislature may be asked to convene evening sittings after Constituency Week.
