Alberta Health Act tops list as legislature resumes

EDMONTON – It’s back to work today for politicians in Alberta, and it appears the hot topic will be health care.

The legislature begins its fall sitting, and the session is expected to last just five weeks.

Premier Ed Stelmach’s government says the key legislation is a revised Alberta Health Act.

The act will spell out the principles to guide future decisions to fix a system plagued by long wait times and overcrowded emergency wards.

The government says the act is crucial for long-term renewal, but opponents say the government is just running away from the tough decisions needed to fix front-line care.

Also on the agenda is a bill to establish the framework for the province’s carbon capture and storage program.

Politicians are also expected to pass a bill that will change some electoral boundaries and increase the number of seats from 83 to 87 in the next election.