Alberta's political leaders presented contrasting visions for municipal governance during keynote addresses at the Alberta Municipalities convention in Calgary, setting the stage for potential legislative battles ahead.
Nenshi's Promise to Reverse UCP Legislation
Official Opposition Leader Naheed Nenshi declared that if his party forms government in 2027, one of their first actions would be to repeal Bills 18 and 20, along with the Recall Act. The former Calgary mayor argued these pieces of legislation demonstrate the provincial government's "contempt" toward municipalities.
"Fundamentally, what happened is that those pieces of legislation were passed without any consultation with municipalities," Nenshi told reporters following his remarks. He emphasized that Bill 18's restrictions on direct federal funding would have prevented major projects like the Green Line transit expansion and recreation centers during his time as mayor.
Understanding the Controversial Legislation
Bill 20, enacted by the UCP government in 2024, introduced two significant changes: it banned electronic vote counters for municipal elections and allowed political parties to operate in Calgary and Edmonton elections. Meanwhile, Bill 18, also passed in 2024, prohibited municipalities from receiving funds directly from the federal government, requiring provincial approval for all federal grants.
The organization representing 264 Alberta municipalities had previously voiced strong opposition to both bills, arguing they eroded municipal autonomy and transferred costs to the local level.
Recall Act Faces Scrutiny
Nenshi also targeted the Recall Act, legislation introduced in 2021 under former premier Jason Kenney that enables citizens to remove councillors, mayors, or MLAs through petition drives. "I think the recall legislation was flawed from the beginning," Nenshi stated. "I thought it was performative, it was virtue signaling, and it really didn't give more democratic rights to citizens."
This criticism comes as recall efforts are actively underway across Alberta targeting several UCP MLAs, including Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides, Airdrie-East MLA Angela Pitt, and Calgary-North West MLA Rajan Sawhney. These petition campaigns gained momentum following the province's use of the notwithstanding clause to end the teachers' strike.
UCP Plans New Municipal Conduct Code
While Nenshi outlined his party's repeal agenda, Municipal Affairs Minister Dan Williams indicated his office will introduce a new provincewide code of conduct for municipalities in spring 2026. This announcement signals the UCP government's continued focus on establishing standards and oversight for municipal operations across Alberta.
The contrasting positions emerged during the Alberta Municipalities convention in downtown Calgary, where hundreds of local officials gathered to discuss pressing issues affecting cities, towns, and villages throughout the province.
