The Kenney Government will be introducing sweeping election reforms that include provisions to remove MLAs and locally-elected officials from office between elections.

In a press conference yesterday morning, Kenney said the legislation will allow electors to remove publicly-elected officials from office in between elections.

"This is a very important democratic reform tool that Albertans have long asked for," he said. "They will receive that through legislation introduced this session," he said.

Legislation includes:

  • A citizen initiative act that will allow Albertans to put important issues to a referendum;
  • A recall act, allowing constituents to remove their MLAs, municipal councillors, mayors, and school board trustees from office between elections;
  • Bills to enact fixed dates for provincial elections and  provincial budgets;
  • Statutory provisions to get big money out of Alberta politics by introducing donor contribution limits to political action committees, while prohibiting party-affiliated groups from circumventing donation limits;
  • Amendments banning foreign money from Alberta politics by making it illegal for foreign entities to contribute to third party advertisers; and
  • Amendments to the Alberta Taxpayer Protection Act requiring a referendum before a consumer carbon tax can be imposed.

Other highlights include a $6.4-billion 2020 capital plan, new legislation to protect survivors of human trafficking, toughen sanctions against impaired drivers, and preventing sex offenders from changing their names.

The Kenny government will be introducing its first full budget on Feb. 27.