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ARTICLE · 22 SEPTEMBER 2025

Bill 50 Changes Raise Important Questions About Alberta Municipal Autonomy

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Bill 50, the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, 2025, received royal assent on May 15, 2025, introducing amendments to the Municipal Government Act (MGA).

CanadaTax
Milad Alishahi
Milad Alishahi
Sharon Au
Sharon Au
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This Insight was prepared with the assistance of student-at-law Joshua Derko.

Bill 50, the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, 2025, received royal assent on May 15, 2025, introducing amendments to the Municipal Government Act (MGA).

Previous requirements under the MGA

The MGA is the legislative framework under which all municipalities and municipal entities across the Province of Alberta operate. It sets out municipal duties and responsibilities, as well as requirements to ensure transparency and accountability.

Prior to Bill 50, the MGA included provisions which:

  • Required a council to establish a code of conduct to govern the conduct of councillors in accordance with Part 5 Division 1.1 of the MGA

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