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Part of New and proposed legislation

Ensuring fair electoral representation

Bill 31 would enable new electoral divisions, refine the criteria for boundary adjustments and increase access to justice.

Status: Bill 31 was introduced on November 5, 2024
Ministry responsible: Justice

Overview

If passed, Bill 31, the Justice Statutes Amendment Act, 2024, will amend 4 pieces of legislation, which would add 2 electoral divisions, increase transparency, improve clarity and increase access to justice.

Proposed amendments to the Electoral Boundaries Commission Act would see the addition of 2 electoral divisions to the province when the next commission reviews Alberta's electoral map. 

Additional amendments would allow the Minister of Justice to require crime data from various groups and agencies to make it easier for Albertans to be aware of the impact of crime on their community, enable simpler and more modern processes for confirming the truth of information people provide to courts, and update legislative language for clarity. 
 

Key changes

If passed, Bill 31, the Justice Statutes Amendment Act, 2024, will amend the following legislation:
 

  • Electoral Boundaries Commission Act

    Proposed changes would:

    • direct the next Electoral Boundaries Commission to divide Alberta into 89 proposed electoral divisions, an addition of 2 divisions
    •  update and clarify the list of factors the commission may consider when drawing the new electoral boundaries

  • Public’s Right to Know Act

    Proposed changes would:

    • allow the Minister of Justice to require data about crime from government departments, branches, or agencies, as well as from municipalities and police services, which would support Albertans' right to know what is going on in their communities
    • ensure Alberta's government can get the crime-related data it needs to keep Albertans informed and help with government decision-making

  • Critical Infrastructure Defence Act

    Proposed changes would: 

    • incorporate facilities identified as essential infrastructure in the regulation into the definition of essential infrastructure in the act
      • This would eliminate the need for the Critical Infrastructure Defence Regulation, and it could then be repealed
      • The definition of essential infrastructure is currently contained in both the act and the Critical Infrastructure Defence Regulation

  • Alberta Evidence Act

    Proposed changes would: 

    • give Albertans simpler and more modern processes for confirming the truth of the evidence they provide (orally or in writing) to the courts
    • enable Albertans to electronically certify written documents or information provided to the court rather than visiting a courthouse or paying to swear or affirm an oath in person
    • more easily allow Albertans to choose between making a secular affirmation or swearing a religious oath when testifying in court or confirming the truth of an affidavit by removing the need for Albertans to justify their preference for an affirmation
      • Currently, Albertans who do not wish to swear an oath must first object and make a justification for why they would prefer to make an affirmation. 

Read the Bill 31, Justice Statutes Amendment Act, 2024 fact sheet for a complete list of proposed amendments.

Next steps

If passed, Bill 31, the Justice Statutes Amendment Act, 2024, will take effect upon Royal Assent.

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