RMA has published its analysis of Bill 50, the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, 2025, which was introduced to the Legislative Assembly on April 8, 2025. The Bill proposes broad amendments to several key pieces of legislation, including the Municipal Government Act (MGA), the Local Authorities Election Act (LAEA), the New Home Buyer Protection Act (NHBPA), and the Safety Codes Act (SCA).
Changes to the MGA reform the intermunicipal collaboration framework (ICF) process to narrow the scope of the services that can be included in ICFs, as well as introduces expectations or requirements for use of data and joint input into service levels and capital costs for intermunicipal services. The Bill also significantly alters governance processes by eliminating codes of conduct, increasing CAO reporting requirements, and standardizing council procedures under ministerial authority. Official administrators will also have expanded access to municipal operations.
Amendments to the LAEA entrench political party involvement in elections and provide financial advantages to party-affiliated candidates. Changes to the NHBPA expand warranty requirements and restrict exemptions for owner-builders. SCA changes enhance ministerial oversight and require Council appointees to have experience with home warranty programs.
While RMA supports several of the proposed changes, numerous provisions require further clarification from Alberta Municipal Affairs.
To assist members in understanding the potential implications, RMA has developed a detailed analysis document titled Bill 50: RMA Analysis. Members are encouraged to read the document and contact RMA’s Policy and Advocacy team with questions, comments, and concerns.
RMA will continue to monitor the progress of Bill 50 and will share updates with members, including responses to questions RMA has posed to the Minister, to keep members fully informed on how the proposed changes may affect municipal governance and operations.
Jared Shaigec
Policy Advisor
825.319.2312
jared@RMAlberta.com
Wyatt Skovron
General Manager of Policy & Advocacy
780.955.4096
wyatt@RMAlberta.com