Just before the end of the spring sitting, hundreds, maybe even thousands, of emails expressing disappointment and discontent around Bills 18, 20, and 21 were sent to MLA offices across the province. My office was no exception. To be frank, the bills centralize more power and control within the provincial Cabinet. This seems to run counter to the premier’s previous preference for small government, reducing red tape, and local autonomy and decision-making.
Bill 18 allows the provincial government to intervene on any funding that may flow from a “federal entity” to a “provincial entity” on any grounds, including ideological ones. Municipalities big and small, post-secondaries, health regions, and school boards will be impacted. Consider housing funding, research grants, and French-language programming.
Bill 20 gives Cabinet the ability to remove a Councillor and repeal bylaws and re-introduces corporate and union donations to politics. It also allows political parties in municipal elections in Calgary and Edmonton.
Bill 21 grants permission to the province to take over from the local authority in the case of an emergency or natural disaster.
Criticism of these bills was decidedly bipartisan. Councillors in rural municipalities that voted heavily for this government have been speaking out against them. There are even folks who otherwise support the government raising concerns about how these powers could be used if a different party wins the next election.
I support local governments’ freedom to pursue funding opportunities that rise to meet community needs. I support academic freedom, and the pursuit of higher learning and innovation free of political or ideological interference. I support transparency and the democratic process that sees us elect local representatives to work on our behalf. I had the privilege to speak to these values in the Legislature and I welcome more conversations with Calgary-Currie residents over the course of the summer. Please reach out!
MLA – Calgary Currie Janet Eremenko proudly serves the following Communities: Bankview, Currie, Glenbrook, Glendale, Killarney-Glengarry, Richmond-Knob Hill, Rosscarrock, Rutland Park, Scarboro, Scarboro/Sunalta West, Shaganappi, Spruce Cliff, Sunalta, Westgate
