Government says new bill continues red-tape-cutting momentum

If passed, say the government, Bill 9 would give irrigation districts more modern options for providing public notifications while clarifying and simplifying rules around board governance.

“We’re cutting red tape for the irrigation industry, a crucial part of Alberta’s agriculture sector and our economy. These amendments are well overdue and would benefit irrigation districts and their users by reducing regulatory burdens,” adds Nate Horner, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation.

“The work done by the red tape reduction panel, and the amendments contained in this bill, will remove some of the barriers to irrigation districts and help improve operational efficiencies,” suggests Ryan Kasko, chair, Alberta Cattle Feeders Association.

“It has been very satisfying seeing how in just two short years, the Agriculture, Food and Bio-Industrial Panel has seen nearly 70 per cent of the recommendations for red tape reduction be either fully completed or are nearly complete. This is saving our industry in both time and money,” says Cherie Copithorne-Barnes, CEO, CL Ranches Ltd.

Government officials say the bill also proposes language improvements to trespass legislation to clarify that the federal government is bound by the same, current rules around unlawful entry onto Albertans’ private property. The province says this clarification shows the government is committed to protecting Albertans’ property rights, including in rural and remote areas of the province.

“I want to commend Alberta’s government for amending trespass legislation to clarify and raise the profile of the right of landowners to control access to their property. This renewed focus on property rights is a refreshing and positive step forward for property owners in Alberta,” shares Peter J. Dobbie, KC, farmers’ and property rights advocate for Alberta.

The government says another change would provide the cities of Calgary and Edmonton with greater certainty around provincial funding for their LRT projects and encourage more businesses to bid on the contracts, ensuring maximum value for taxpayers.

According to government officials, the bill would also amend the Workers’ Compensation Act to expand presumptive cancer coverage to all firefighters who served during the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire. Officials say this makes it easier for firefighters and their families to access the benefits and support they need with fewer delays and administrative hurdles.

“Having personally experienced loss due to the 2016 Horse River wildfire, I can never thank the heroes that fought this emergency sufficiently for their efforts. Making sure that these firefighters get faster and expanded access to workers’ compensation benefits is a small step Alberta’s government can take to recognize their risks and sacrifices,” states Brian Jean, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development.

“We’ve been working with the government over the last number of years regarding the health impacts from the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire and the needed support for firefighters and their families, and we’re grateful to see this cancer coverage moving forward,” notes Matt Osborne, president, Alberta Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics Association.

Additional changes being proposed in the Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act, 2023 include:

Supporting the economic growth of Alberta’s bee industry by allowing for quicker and more effective responses to threats from pests and disease outbreaks.
Simplifying the process to ensure borrowed works of art are protected from legal claims while in Alberta.
Ensuring a smooth implementation of new continuing care legislation coming this fall.
Supporting the implementation of government’s commitment to extend prompt payment rules to public works projects.
Changing the official titles of provincial court judge to provincial court justice to align with an upcoming name change of the Provincial Court of Alberta to the Alberta Court of Justice, reflecting the modern role of the court.
Ensuring the justice system can provide information so that government income supports can be suspended for violent offenders with outstanding warrants until the warrant is executed or cancelled.
Restoring the ability of municipalities to add costs associated with remedying dangerous or unsightly properties to an owner’s property taxes.
Enabling faster and easier transactions between lenders and debtors when personal property is used as collateral.
Allowing Albertans to sign and submit certain documents electronically to the Land Titles Office.

Alberta government quick facts

Alberta is a national leader in red tape reduction. As part of Red Tape Awareness Week in January, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business ranked Alberta No. 1 among provinces in red tape reduction, giving the province an overall grade of A-.
Since 2019, the Alberta government has reduced red tape by almost 30 per cent and is rapidly approaching its goal of 33 per cent.
Red tape reduction efforts have so far saved Albertans and Alberta businesses at least $2.1 billion, as shown in the latest Red Tape Reduction annual report 2021-2022.

by rdnewsNOW Staff

Government says new bill continues red-tape-cutting momentum

Alberta government quick facts

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