AUMA supports provincial government’s legislation updates in response to COVID-19 pandemic

All orders of government must be responsive during this challenging time, and AUMA applauds the provincial government’s focus on responsive measures to contain and manage the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. Adaptable, efficient government is critical during this unprecedented time to protect the health and wellbeing of all Albertans.

March 25, 2020 provincial announcement: Provincial Offences Procedures Act amendments

The provincial government has amended the Provincial Offences Procedures Act. Peace officers and police can now issue tickets to enforce COVID-19 public health orders, and fines have substantially increased (find more details on Alberta.ca). The Government of Alberta and Alberta Health Services are working with local enforcement agencies to manage complaints, which can be submitted online.

Public health orders subject to fines for violation include:

  • A limit of 50 people at mass gatherings.
  • Prohibited access to public recreational facilities, private entertainment facilities, bars and nightclubs.
  • Only essential visitors permitted at long-term care and other continuing care facilities.
  • Mandatory self-isolation for anyone:
    • diagnosed with COVID-19;
    • exhibiting symptoms, including cough and fever;
    • returning to Alberta from outside of Canada; and
    • who has had close contact with an individual diagnosed (or probable cases) of COVID-19.

Find a list of public health orders here, and visit Alberta.ca/COVID19 for links to the latest provincial information.

Other COVID-19 related provincial legislation changes that AUMA has supported include:

Follow AUMA for updates

Municipalities share the same ambition as the provincial government for a strong and prosperous Alberta, and we look forward to sharing in brighter times ahead once we have weathered this time of uncertainty. AUMA will continue to provide updates on any government legislation changes that affect municipalities. In addition to the above resources on the provincial government’s website, follow AUMA’s COVID-19 page, subscribe to our Digest e-newsletter and follow our social media channels for the latest news.

If you have any questions about changes to provincial legislation and what it could mean for your municipality, please advocacy [at] auma.ca (contact AUMA’s Advocacy staff). For other specific questions about other AUMA products and services impacted by COVID-19, such as insurance, benefits, claims and more, find contact information on our COVID-19 page.