What to Expect
Even though the Legislature isn’t sitting, it’s going to be a busy week in Alberta politics. As of today, almost all health restrictions are lifted in the province, including the province-wide mask mandate (it remains at the municipal level in some places, most notably Edmonton). The only real restrictions that remain will be a mask mandate in high-risk settings, such as AHS facilities, continuing care centres, and public transit.
MLAs – and especially cabinet – will be out advocating for the budget (you can see the CSG first look here). The Legislature will return on March 7 to debate the budget estimates.
The Week That Was
The Alberta Government has made the following changes to Cabinet:
Tyler Shandro, QC, MLA for Calgary-Acadia and Minister of Labour and Immigration, becomes the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General;
Kaycee Madu, QC, MLA for Edmonton-South West and minister without a portfolio, becomes the Minister of Labour and Immigration; and
Sonya Savage, MLA for Calgary-North West, who had previously been the acting Minister of Justice and Solicitor General, continues as Minister of Energy.
Alberta Premier, Jason Kenney has spoken out in support of Ukraine and its government and is providing humanitarian aid.
The Alberta Government has made the decision to direct Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis (AGLC) to refuse to accept new stock of Russian-made liquor products. Further to that, the AGLC is prohibiting the sale of any currently stocked Russian-made liquor products already in the province.
A $1.8 billion expansion budget has been approved for the Red Deer Regional Hospital and will increase total bed capacity by 54 per cent.
