CALGARY – The Alberta government says a new legislative framework that governs how all municipalities in the province will operate will be in place before the next municipal elections in 2017.
The current Municipal Government Act came into effect almost two decades ago and was to be updated a couple of years ago but was delayed as a result of the 2013 floods and municipal elections.
READ MORE: Alberta government pledges improvements to Municipal Government Act
Alberta Municipal Affairs Minister Derek Bilous gave a progress report on the legislation to delegates attending the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association convention in Calgary Friday.
He says the government will introduce the updated act in the Alberta Legislature next spring and all changes will be proclaimed before municipal elections in the fall of 2017.
Bilous said the legislation will resolve a number of outstanding issues involving municipalities and focus on greater regional collaboration, better provincial-municipal relations and increased fairness and consistency for taxpayers.
Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi says after years of consultation it’s good to finally see action on an important file.
“I am pleased that the new government has made this firm commitment to pass a revised MGA in 2016,” he said. “After years of consultation, it’s good to see action on this important file.”
“The City of Edmonton looks forward to the completion of a modernized Municipal Government Act, which can complement the City Charter, and welcomes continued opportunities to support the development and review process,” added Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson.
With files from Global News
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