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File photo of the Alberta Legislature building in Edmonton. (Lethbridge News Now)

Province to propose legislation that would limit municipal public health measures

Mar 1, 2022 | 12:20 PM

EDMONTON, AB – The Alberta Government is planning to introduce legislation that would block municipalities from implementing bylaws that contradict provincial public health policies.

The proposed amendments to the Municipal Government Act (MGA) will ensure Alberta has one clear policy as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Premier Jason Kenney said, “as we safely move beyond COVID restrictions, we need clarity, consistency and unity.”

“It would be confusing and divisive to have multiple different public health policies, particularly when there is no compelling public health rationale. It is time for us to move forward together.”

Provincial legislation takes precedence over any bylaw enacted by a municipality where they are inconsistent.

Minister of Municipal Affairs Ric McIver said, this proposed change will create clarity and certainty for Albertans when it comes to public health policy after almost two years of changing guidelines.”

“Municipalities have asked the provincial government to take the lead on public health policy many times in the past, and we are confident now is the right time for everyone in the province to follow the same rules to avoid confusion and frustration.”

The announcement on the proposed amendments comes Tuesday as Step 2 of the province’s lifting of COVID-19 measures takes effect.

READ MORE: Most COVID restrictions now lifted in Alberta

Step 2 includes the removal of mask mandates in most settings. Masking is still required in high-risk settings like Alberta Health Services facilities, continuing care centres and on public transit.