The Alberta government wrapped up the fall sitting of the legislature late Wednesday night, bringing to an end five weeks of work that saw 13 bills passed.
“I want this session to be remembered the same way every session is remembered: we come to work every day, and we do the people’s business,” said government house leader Joseph Schow.
Among the bills passed include an update to the Alberta Bill of Rights that allows some Albertans the ability to refuse medical treatment, including vaccines.
There were three bills affecting transgender and non-binary people pertaining to pronoun use in schools, gender-affirming health care for youth and participation in women’s sports.
The governing UCP also passed a bill allowing the creation of all-seasons resorts on Crown land, adding privacy legislation and strict penalties for breaking the law.
There was also Danielle Smith’s Sovereignty Act motion against the federal government’s proposed emissions cap on oil and gas.
“Our government has always been, and continues to be, unapologetic in our fight to protect and promote the best interests of Alberta,” Schow said.
But the Opposition NDP is asking: where were the bills on affordability, housing, and public safety?
“The only things they had to say on health care and education were, ‘Let’s make sure vulnerable kids are more vulnerable in schools and in the doctor’s office,” said Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi.
“There is some good news,” Nenshi quipped. “Danielle Smith got on Fox News. I think she fulfilled her life goal.”
Attention is already turning to next session. The assembly is expected sit again in February in time for the next provincial budget. Schow declined to provide details on upcoming legislation.