Comprehensive Review Of The Municipal Government Act
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association urge the Government of Alberta to commence a comprehensive review of the Municipal Government Act at the earliest possible time, and in full consultation with all Alberta municipalities, as well as the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association, and ask the AAMDC to also take part in the review.
WHEREAS the Municipal Government Act originally became Alberta law over 15 years ago, on January 1, 1995;
WHEREAS the Municipal Government Act was groundbreaking legislation for municipalities in Canada, when it was introduced in 1995, but has not kept pace with legislation in other provinces;
WHEREAS the Municipal Government Act is the main piece of legislation upon which the entire municipal order of government rests in the province of Alberta;
WHEREAS the province of Alberta has announced on several occasions since 2002, its intention to perform a comprehensive review of the Municipal Government Act;
WHEREAS discussions regarding the need for a comprehensive review and amendment of the Municipal Government Act have been occurring across the province with municipalities, the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association and Alberta Municipal Affairs, for several years;
WHEREAS the Municipal Government Act is the legal foundation upon which most of the operations, structures, initiatives and polices of Alberta municipalities rest; and
WHEREAS a majority of municipalities in Alberta are challenged with growth, improvements in the quality of life for lower income citizens, and the protection of environmental health and resources, all of which are directly linked to the authority and limits placed on municipalities by the Municipal Government Act.
Apr 13, 2011 - Alberta Municipal Affairs
Priority Initiative 1.4 under Goal 1 of the Municipal Affairs Business Plan 2011-14 states that a staged comprehensive review of the MGA is to take place.
In this regard, a review of the MGA will be proceeding in this business plan cycle, and ministry staff will continue the planning, data collection, research, and analysis work that are necessary to ensure that his act continues to remain a model for Canada’s provinces and territories. I expect the MGA review will occur over a number of years (five to six), due to the comprehensive nature of this act.
This ministry will consult with our stakeholders on this comprehensive review.
Review of the MGA started in 2012.
AUMA accepts this response.