These bulletins summarize and explain the important and relevant details of potential and upcoming legislation in Alberta, including notable Orders in Council.
Members’ Issues and Related Bills or Activities
Bill 15 – Public Safety and Emergency Services Statutes Amendment Act, 2026
Honourable Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services
Bill 15 represents a major step toward establishing a provincial police force by amending the Police Act to allow the Minister to transfer Alberta employees, including the roughly 600 sheriffs currently performing policelike duties, into the new Alberta Sheriffs Police Services (ASPS).
The GOA argues this authority will support a smooth transition as the existing sheriff structure is wound down and ASPS is built out. While the Minister maintains that training and qualification requirements will be addressed, the legislation itself focuses primarily on transferring staff into comparable roles, leaving open questions about how training will be funded and whether communities may experience policing capacity gaps during and after the transition.
Bill 15 swiftly passed its second reading on February 25. Debate on Bill 15 has been delayed due to the release of Budget 2026. The Bill has gone to the Committee of the Whole for evaluation and possible amendment.
Bill 17 – Fiscal Measures Statutes Amendment Act, 2026
Honourable Nate Horner, President of Treasury Board and Finance
Bill 17 amends seven pieces of legislation related to Budget 2026, including consolidation of caregiver supports, increasing the tourism levy, and amending the levy calculation for computer equipment in data centres. Minister Horner introduced the Bill calling it a disciplined plan that sets clear priorities in an effort to deliver real results for Albertans.
Bill 17 removes the off-grid exemption for power supply of data centres in the Alberta Corporate Tax Act, effectively reversing a previous amendment that encouraged grid power use. In its place, the Bill introduces a formula that applies levies to the amount of grid electricity consumed in a calendar year. The Government presents this amendment as a clarification: that the levy rate for data centres will be based on actual grid usage, and that only onsite generation will qualify for a 0% rate. The change is intended to reduce costs associated with onsite power production and may increase incentives for data centres to invest in their own energy generation capacity.
The Bill would also increase Alberta’s tourism levy rate from 4% to 6%. After March 31, this higher rate will be applied to the purchase price of hotel, motel, hostel, and similar temporary lodging accommodations in Alberta. If current trends in hospitality and tourism continue, the increased levy is projected to generate an additional $66 million in revenue for the 2026 fiscal year.
Debate on Bill 17 has been surprisingly limited, likely overshadowed by heightened scrutiny of Budget 2026 itself, which has drawn attention away from the specific measures contained in the Bill. Bill 17 passed its first reading on March 10.
Orders in Council
There were no notable Orders in Council affecting the administration of legislation issued for the week of March 16-20, 2026.
Ian Profiri
Policy & Research Analyst
825.319.2352
ian@RMAlberta.com
Wyatt Skovron
General Manager of Policy & Advocacy
780.955.4096
wyatt@RMAlberta.com