The Alberta legislature will reconvene on Tuesday. The government will then table Budget 2025 and introduce new legislation to streamline regulations, address economic challenges, and strengthen public safety measures.
Budget 2025 and Cost of Living: Income Tax Cut Uncertain
With Budget 2025 set to be released on Feb. 27, questions remain over whether Albertans will see an income tax cut.
"The budget is coming forward on Thursday, and it will be supported by the Financial Statutes Amendment Act, which will include amendments to the Alberta Personal Income Tax and the Sustainable Fiscal Planning and Reporting Act," said Government House Leader Joseph Schow, who is also the Minister of Tourism and Sport.
Pressed on whether this meant an income tax cut was coming, Schow responded:
"I would hate to say any more on that."
The government has also highlighted affordability-related legislation, including the Utilities Statutes Amendment Act, which Schow said would help ensure Albertans have "affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity," and the Automobile Insurance Act, which he said aims to improve access to affordable insurance.
AHS Lawsuit and Calls for Health Minister to Step Aside
Schow was also asked whether the wrongful dismissal lawsuit filed by the former Alberta Health Services (AHS) CEO could become a distraction for the government.
"I don’t think that we’re going to be distracted from the work we have to do," he said.
Reports have indicated that at least one cabinet minister, Airdrie-Cochrane Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) and Minister of Infrastructure Peter Guthrie, suggested Health Minister Adriana LaGrange should step aside. At the same time, investigations continue, though Premier Danielle Smith has defended her position. Schow said he supports both Smith and LaGrange.
Pressed on whether the controversy erodes public trust in the government, Schow said his constituents remain confident in its direction.
"Listening to my own constituents, they have a lot of faith in this government," he said.
In recent days, protests have taken place outside the legislature, with demonstrators calling for resignations over allegations of political interference.
Public Safety Legislation and Emergency Powers
The government is expected to introduce the Public Safety and Emergency Services Statutes Amendment Act, which Schow said would "improve accountability and protections of freedoms during emergencies."
When asked whether the legislation would be based on recommendations from the Manning Report or last year’s emergency management review, Schow deferred to Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis, saying the government was working to “better handle complex disasters and crises, enhance community resilience, and ensure the government has the right tools to protect Albertans.”
The government has not yet provided details on how this will affect emergency response policies or public rights during crises.
Compassionate Intervention Act Timing Unclear
Schow was also asked about the Compassionate Intervention Act, a bill referenced in government messaging on addiction policy.
"I think our part as a government is getting it right, not getting it fast," he said, calling the legislation a "central pillar" of the Alberta Recovery Model.
No timeline was provided for when the bill will be introduced.
Interprovincial Trade and Federal Relations
Schow said Alberta will continue to push for the reduction of interprovincial trade barriers but did not outline any specific legislation on the issue.
"You can expect more advocacy," he said. "We have a federal government that has been missing in action for quite some time, who has failed to understand, or at least failed to respond to, the needs of our province."
Schow also mentioned federal discussions on an East-West pipeline, saying the federal government has acknowledged its importance only after "a lot of public pressure."
Pending Disability and Employment Program Changes (AISH & ADAP)
Schow declined to comment on whether this session would include discussions on upcoming changes to AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped) and the ADAP (Alberta Disability and Ageing Program), scheduled for July 2026.
"I’m happy to talk about legislation that we know is coming forward," he said, adding that other bills are still in the approval process.
Schow also dismissed concerns raised at a recent NDP town hall on the programs.
"I have no interest in what the NDP town hall is saying," he said. "I believe in hearing from all Albertans, but I’m paying attention to my constituents, my stakeholders, all Albertans, and making sure we are responding to them."
Red Tape Reduction and Regulatory Changes
Schow was asked about Bill 38, the Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act, and whether it would include changes such as adding citizenship status to Alberta driver’s licenses.
"This is the ninth introduced Red Tape Reduction Amendment Act since fall 2019," he said. "The bill includes amendments to improve the lives of Albertans, contribute to the province’s prosperity, and modernize legislation."
Schow did not confirm details, saying questions should be directed to Minister Dale Nally, who is responsible for the file.
Upcoming Legislation
The government plans to introduce approximately 20 bills this session, including:
- Agriculture and Irrigation Statutes Amendment Act
- Automobile Insurance Act
- Financial Statutes Amendment Act
- Mental Health Services Protection Amendment Act
- Professional Governance Act
- Public Safety and Emergency Services Statutes Amendment Act
- Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act
- Utilities Statutes Amendment Act
- Wildlife Amendment Act
Bill names are subject to change.
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