How elections are run and whistleblower protection are just some the areas where Albertans can share their views as an all-party committee of the Legislative Assembly undertakes a special review of key pieces of legislation.
Christina Gray, chair of the Select Special Ethics and Accountability Committee and MLA for Edmonton-Mill Woods, said the review will look at areas such as how provincial elections are conducted, how provincial candidates and parties are financed, whether public servants who report wrongdoing are adequately protected and the balance between an MLA’s private interests and public duties.
The four Acts under review are:
- Election Act
- Election Finances and Contributions Disclosure Act
- Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act
- Conflicts of Interest Act
“This is a wonderful opportunity for Albertans,” said Ms. Gray. “Many of the situations covered by these Acts directly affect Albertans, so it is important that they are given an opportunity to take part in this process.”
The committee is inviting written submissions from all Albertans and has already begun to solicit feedback from stakeholder organizations. The deadline for submissions is Friday, February 26, 2016.
“Albertans should have their say in the outcome,” added Ms. Gray. “What we hear from the public is going to have an impact on the results of this review.”
For more information on the Acts under review and how to send in a written submission, visit the committee website:
http://www.assembly.ab.ca/committees/ethicsandaccountability/index.html
Note: submission content and names of authors may be made public.
The Select Special Ethics and Accountability Committee was appointed to review the Election Act, the Election Finances and Contributions Disclosure Act, the Conflicts of Interest Act and the Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act. The committee must report to the Assembly one year after commencing its review.