MGA Review and Municipal Environmental Stewardship: You can still have your say

23 Nov MGA Review and Municipal Environmental Stewardship: You can still have your say

MGA Review and Municipal Environmental Stewardship: You can still have your say

On November 22, 2016, the Government of Alberta continued its review and amendment process for the Municipal Government Act (MGA). Along with some amendments to Bill 21 made in committee the government indicated there would be further opportunities to amend the Act, a published Continuing the Conversation: Further Topics for Discussion on the Municipal Government Act.

According to the Government’s press release “Albertans can have their say through an online questionnaire or written submissions until Jan. 31, 2017. The government will review the feedback and bring forward any amendments during the spring session. All changes to the act, including regulations, would come into force before municipal elections in the fall of 2017.”

Along this process the Environmental Law Centre has recommended a variety of changes to the MGA to enable and clarify the role municipalities might plan in environmental stewardship and protection.

“Municipalities play a pivotal role in environmental management and protection in Alberta. Expanding and clarifying municipal purposes to include environmental stewardship benefits all Albertans and ensures municipalities can address their constituents’ environmental goals. Enabling direct, local action by municipalities to address environmental concerns – such as protecting environmentally sensitive areas and responding to climate change – is key to building resilient and sustainable communities.”

Brenda Heelan Powell, Staff Counsel, Environmental Law Centre

ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL LAW CENTRE:

The Environmental Law Centre (ELC) has been seeking strong and effective environmental laws since it was founded in 1982. The ELC is dedicated to providing credible, comprehensive and objective legal information regarding natural resources, energy and environmental law, policy and regulation in Alberta. The ELC’s mission is to educate and champion for strong laws and rights so all Albertans can enjoy clean water, clean air and a healthy environment. Our vision is a society where laws secure an environment that sustains current and future generations.

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