What to Expect
The spring session of the Legislative Assembly wrapped up last Thursday, so MLAs are back in their constituencies for the summer.
Sunday marked exactly one year before Alberta’s fixed election date; however, the government can choose to call an election at any time before then.
On Monday, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance Travis Toews became the first member of cabinet to register with Elections Alberta for the United Conservative Party (UCP) leadership race. Other members of cabinet are expected to announce their intentions shortly. A cabinet shuffle could happen as early as today, but the Premier may appoint acting ministers until he can address all vacancies together. Brian Jean and Danielle Smith have already indicated their intent to run, but have not yet filed.
The UCP Board has appointed 12 people to the new Leadership Election Committee with labour lawyer David Price serving as Chair. The committee will establish rules for the leadership race, and has already increased the security of membership sales by removing the option of cash-payments starting tomorrow.
The Week That Was
Alberta is investing $3.2 million in 10 projects that will develop and enhance digital and automated food production. The recipients of the funding are as follows:- Agriculture and Agri-food Canada (two projects funded) – $402,554
- Carbon Asset Solutions Ltd. – $350,000
- iClassifier Inc. – $352,600
- Mojow Autonomous Solutions Inc. – $500,000
- Lakeland College (two projects funded) – $490,081
- Pawlutions Ltd. – $223,125
- University of Alberta – $497,000
- Wyvern Incorporated – $380,000
Restrictions for the Edmonton International Airport are being relaxed. The changes will reduce the current restricted area by 30 per cent while removing a number of restrictions based on new noise contours that indicate existing or potential areas of significant aircraft noise exposure.
Last week, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Tyler Shandro enacted Section 30 of the Police Act to request that Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi develop a public safety plan and increase the police presence in the downtown area. Under the Police Act, if Mayor Sohi neglects to adhere to the Minister’s request, the Minister may intervene at the financial cost of the municipality.
