The UCP want to control everything, everywhere, all at once
Bill 20 is "an affront to democracy in Alberta” says RMA president Paul McLauchlin.
Published May 09, 2024 in The Sherwood Park News • 2 minute read
Bill 20 was introduced two weeks ago by the UCP and it is no exaggeration to say, this legislation is a threat to our democracy in Alberta.
With this bill, the UCP has drafted legislation to give themselves sweeping powers to fire any local municipal councillor or mayor and to be able to overrule any local municipal bylaws. It is made-in-Alberta authoritarian legislation and seems to be part of Danielle Smith’s agenda to control everything, everywhere, all at once.
Bill 20 was brought forward after the Premier introduced a bill that will block universities, municipalities, and not-for-profit organizations from accessing federal funding unless they ask for the province’s permission.
Smith is giving herself power to act as Alberta’s gatekeeper-in-chief by insisting she control all federal funding that flows to Alberta. She wants to control how all government money is spent here; she is certain that she knows what is best for all Albertans from Zama City to Wild Horse and every place in between.
The UCP took control of the teachers’ pension plan and they want to take control of everyone’s Canada Pension Plan. They want to control university research, federal government spending, and now they want to impose unreasonable control over municipalities which will deny debate in this province and stifle opposing ideas.
I have been quite vocal about my opposition to Bill 20. It is the largest piece of legislation that has been brought in by the UCP government and there was no consultation with anyone before it was introduced into the Legislature.
Pushback from counties, towns and cities across the province has been fierce. Here is just a sample of the things municipal leaders are saying about Bill 20.
Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA( (representing 69 counties and municipal districts): “This is not only an affront to municipalities, but also an affront to democracy in Alberta.” — RMA president Paul McLauchlin
AbMunis (representing 260 municipalities): “Bill 20 is an attempt by the provincial government to grab more power and wield more control over how people choose to live in their own communities.” — ABmunis president Tyler Gandam
Bonnyville: “Across the board, no one wanted to see Bill 20.” — Councillor Ben Fadeyiw
Red Deer County: “If you don’t allow municipalities to make decisions, then why are we here?” — Mayor Jim Wood
Grande Prairie: “This government doesn’t appear to see municipal governments as a legitimate, fully elected, order of government.” — Councillor Dylan Bressey
Okotoks: “I am genuinely concerned about the attack on democracy.” — Mayor Tanya Thorn
High River: “Pay attention to this one Alberta — it’s brutal for everyone.” — Mayor Craig Snodgrass
My colleagues and I work to provide reasoned debate on bills brought into the legislature. However, for Bill 20 my recommendation is that the government send this bill to the shredder and get back to work on the priorities of the majority of Albertans. I think Albertans deserve better before sweeping changes are made to our democracy.
Please reach out to me if you have any thoughts on this or other issues that are top of mind for you.
Kyle Kasawski is the MLA for Sherwood Park. If you have questions about this column or any provincial issues, he would like to hear from you. Find his contact information at meetkyle.ca.