Edmonton

Government seeking Albertans' input for legislation review

The provincial government is asking Albertans to participate in an upcoming review into key areas of legislation, including how the province runs its elections.

Deadline for submissions set for Feb. 26

Albertans are being asked to participate in a provincial review of four key areas of legislation. The deadline to contribute is Feb. 26. (CBC)

The provincial government is asking Albertans to participate in an upcoming review into key areas of legislation, including how the province runs its elections.

A committee composed of all political parties will review the Election Act, Election Finances and Contributions Disclosure Act, Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act and the Conflicts of Interest Act.

The review will look into whether public servants who report wrongdoing are currently adequately protected, how to establish the balance between the private and public lives of MLAs, and at how provincial candidates and parties are financed.

The Select Special Ethics and Accountability Committee is asking Albertans for their written submissions. The deadline for submissions is Feb. 26. The content and authors of these submissions may be made public.

"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," said Edmonton-Mill Woods MLA and committee chair Christina Gray in a media release.

"Albertans should have their say in the outcome," Gray said. "What we hear from the public is going to have an impact on the results of this review."

The committee must report to the Legislative Assembly one year after starting the review.