The Alberta government introduced legislation on Wednesday that it says is meant to give candidates more equal opportunity in local elections and to increase voter participation.

The Alberta government says it is considering the unprecedented step of allowing cities to run deficits as they battle the COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent financial impact.

"This will help us meet the demand for critical product and services and to keep Albertans safe."

The province said it would also hold "focused discussions with representatives from municipalities and community advocacy groups."

Four Calgary councillors are calling on the mayor to write a letter to Premier Jason Kenney to create a special task force on property tax assessment.

Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson and Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi are among a number of municipal politicians in Alberta expressing concerns about the provincial government mulling over potential changes to municipal election campaign rules.

Councillor Michael Walters has requested detailed costs for Edmonton to go it alone on housing, without the help of the province, because he's fed up with a lack of action from the Alberta government.

The Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, equalization payments and federal laws that Kenney says hurt Alberta's energy industry have all been brought up as concerns.

Municipalities in Alberta are to get a new source of revenue next year when commercial cannabis producers start paying property taxes.

The vote comes on the heels of a viability report conducted by the province, outlining Granum's options to remain a town or join the M.D. of Willow Creek.