Alberta has long been recognized for its robust emergency management system — a system that regularly safeguards lives and property during wildfires, floods and other disasters. During these moments of crisis, elected officials and emergency management teams must make difficult decisions to protect Albertans and their communities. In response to feedback from the Public Health Emergencies Governance Review Panel, Bill 49 includes updates to the Emergency Management Act to emphasize the importance of balancing Albertans’ individual rights and freedoms when exercising emergency powers.
Alberta’s government recognizes that emergencies require swift coordination and regulations to protect people, property and the environment, and that officials must also be mindful of individual rights when responding to emergencies. If passed, Bill 49 would update the definition of “emergency” to make it clear that emergencies are sudden and temporary events, and the use of emergency powers should only be used for as long as necessary to restore public safety. This increases the threshold required to access the extraordinary powers provided under the act, ensuring emergency powers are only used when necessary.
“These amendments are built on the principle of 'sober second thought' — ensuring that, even under pressure, every action is measured against our commitment to individual freedoms. Albertans value deeply the democratic rights and freedoms our society is built on, and it is incumbent on government to ensure those rights are protected.”
Other proposed amendments would place new requirements on the minister responsible for emergencies to consult with the Premier, cabinet or other elected officials prior to authorizing emergency orders, and to ensure orders made are communicated promptly and clearly to all Albertans so they know what actions government is taking and how they might be impacted.
“Trust and transparency are essential, especially during an emergency. These updates would ensure the government is accountable to Albertans and that they know what actions government is taking during emergencies. These changes would also greatly improve emergency preparedness at the local level through enhanced planning measures that will protect Albertans and their communities. We all understand that emergencies require prompt and decisive action to ensure the safety of Albertans, while also safeguarding their rights.”
Other regulatory amendments
Alberta’s government is also planning regulatory changes that would focus on enhancing community resilience by improving preparedness, coordination and information sharing during emergencies.
Local authorities would be required to develop evacuation plans to facilitate safe evacuations during emergencies. These plans would also be required to include mitigation strategies informed by a hazard and risk assessment to support long-term reduction of disaster costs and impacts. Local authorities would have two years to come into compliance with these changes.
Further amendments to the Disaster Recovery Regulation would allow post-disaster mitigation funding to cover a broader range of hazards, not just floods, to align with changes to the federal Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements. This reflects a proactive approach to disaster management and a responsible focus on long-term planning and preparation.