The Provincial Government Introduces Sweeping Changes To Alberta's Workplaces

When the United Conservative Party (UCP) took power in Alberta in 2019, the government introduced Bill 2, An Act to Make Alberta Open for Business, which reversed many of the changes to employment standards and labour relations implemented by the previous provincial government. On July 7, 2020, the UCP introduced Bill 32, Restoring Balance in Alberta's Workplaces Act.

Bill 32 passed its final reading on July 28, 2020, and received Royal Assent on July 29, 2020. Some sections of the bill still require proclamation to come into force.

Bill 32 effectuates further significant changes to Alberta's workplaces, aimed at reducing administrative burdens and red tape, creating efficiencies and costs savings for employers and bringing increased fairness to unionized environments. As Labour Minister Jason Copping said at the July 7, 2020, press conference introducing the legislation, "Significant changes were made under the previous government that pushed the balance toward