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2w ago

Alberta Moves to Cap Municipal Tax Hikes and Reinstate Universal Conduct Code

The directive sets up fall legislation to tighten provincial oversight of local governments.

Election signs along Edmonton Trail in ward 9. Women make up 28 per cent of councillor candidates in the 2025 municipal election.
Brad Gushue, one of Canada’s most decorated skips, announced last week that he will retire at the end of this season, closing the book on a storied career that includes Olympic gold and multiple Brier titles. (photo credit: Winnipeg Sun)
Traffic calming measures include flex posts (bollards) on the streets of Ottawa: One reader suggests they are a waste of money.
RCMP Const. Vincent Pageau is on trial in Campbellton for sexual assault.

Overview

  • Premier Danielle Smith issued a mandate letter directing Municipal Affairs Minister Dan Williams to curb municipal property tax increases, strengthen provincial oversight, and reintroduce a universal code of conduct for officials.
  • Williams said the province will prioritize municipalities' core services and intervene when councils stray from jurisdictional lanes, while the definition of “excessive” tax hikes remains to be determined.
  • The mandate builds on prior legislation allowing the province to change municipal bylaws that conflict with provincial policy, reinforcing Alberta's final authority over local governance.
  • Letters published in multiple Sun newspapers criticized Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recognition of a Palestinian state as announced without parliamentary approval and warned it could have divisive domestic consequences.
  • Other letters questioned federal modular housing procurement that selected an Edmonton company over Calgary firms, and shared broader frustrations that included criticisms of U.S. leadership and concerns about proposed CFL rule changes.