Bill 20: Alberta government unveils new rules for municipal political parties, donations

By Lisa Johnson The Canadian Press

Posted October 18, 2024 12:27 pm

Updated October 18, 2024 2:14 pm

1 min read

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Click to play video: 'New rules for municipal political parties, donations in Alberta under Bill 20'

1:54 New rules for municipal political parties, donations in Alberta under Bill 20

From lifting a ban on corporate and union donations to allowing local political parties in Edmonton and Calgary, Bill 20 makes sweeping changes to municipal elections in Alberta. Morgan Black has more on the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act.

Alberta is unveiling new regulations that will once again allow corporate and union donations in local elections.

The move by the United Conservative Party government reverses a ban brought in under the NDP.

The rules come under Bill 20, the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, that makes sweeping changes to municipal elections, which the province says will make them more transparent.

It passed debate in the legislature earlier this year and comes into effect later this month.

Alberta Municipalities has been a vocal critic of the changes, with president Tyler Gandam saying that opening the door to big donors puts local government’s “up for sale to the highest bidder.”

Click to play video: 'Alberta Municipalities speaks out over province’s Bill 20 to have more control over local politics'

2:06 Alberta Municipalities speaks out over province’s Bill 20 to have more control over local politics

The legislation also allows local political parties and slates on the ballot beginning in 2025 — but only in the province’s two largest cities, Edmonton and Calgary. However, they are not permitted for school board trustee elections.