As the Smith government continues to push back against what it calls federal government overreach, Alberta municipalities are voicing concerns about one particular piece of new legislation.
The Provincial Priorities Act (PPA) requires provincial entities, including towns and villages, to obtain prior approval from Alberta’s government before entering into, amending, extending or renewing an agreement with the federal government.
Under the legislation, agreements between the federal government and provincial entities that have not received provincial approval are deemed invalid.
Premier Danielle Smith says the PPA is aimed at protecting provincial jurisdiction while at the same time ensuring the federal government doesn’t make decisions that go against Alberta’s priorities, including in areas such as infrastructure projects.
The Alberta Municipalities Association (ABmunis) represents more than 200 cities, towns and villages, including many in this district.
The association has voiced concerned about the PPA since it was introduced last spring – and recently reiterated those concerns, saying the legislation could have numerous negative impacts on its members.
“ABmunis is concerned that this new requirement could have significant consequences for municipalities, including delaying project approvals and start dates, negative impacts to business cases and project budgets, and potentially cause Albertans to not receive their fair share of federal funding,” officials said on the association's website.
With Alberta and Canada continuing to be impacted by the ongoing Trump trade war, it is more important than ever that infrastructure and other projects in towns and villages are able to move forward.
And part of making those projects a reality is having stable and adequate government funding, both at the provincial and federal level.
As such, any government legislation that creates delays in project approvals and holds up critical funding is unwelcome and unwanted.
Premier Smith and her UCP colleagues will likely continue their long-running war with Ottawa in the weeks and months ahead.
Nevertheless, those same government MLAs should and must consider the possible negative impacts on towns and villages of provincial legislation enacted as part of that fight.
Dan Singleton is an editor with the Albertan.
