A ‘Modernized Municipal Government Act’
Forward-looking or rooted firmly in the past?
With the provincial government in the midst of a 20-city summer tour to consult on its attempt through Bill 21 to "modernize" the Municipal Government Act, Rebecca Graff-McRae looks at what's likely to change if the bill is ultimately passed.
The Alberta government is once again holding consultations on its plan to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2018. Parkland Institute Research Manager Ian Hussey lays out 10 key facts Albertans should know about the proposed increase.
On May 24, 2015, Rachel Notley was sworn in as the 17th premier of Alberta, promising to usher in an era of governance inclusive of gender, race, indigeneity, and socio-economic status. Rebecca Graff-McRae looks at whether the NDP's budget lives up to its promises of real action on equity issues.
Discussions about Alberta’s $10 billion deficit and estimated debt of $33 billion by 2018-19 have dominated the media since the introduction of Budget 2016. Parkland Institute Research Managers Ian Hussey and Rebecca Graff-McRae argue that revenue, not debt, is the immediate concern coming out of the budget.
Unemployment in Alberta
What past recessions indicate about the future
The recent recession has resulted in the highest unemployment rate Alberta has experienced for years. Economics Professor Richard Mueller compares the current jobs picture with past recessions, and finds some reason for optimism about the future.
The provincial government has introduced Bill 4, which gives most public sector workers the right to strike for the first time in decades. Athabasca University labour relations professor Bob Barnetson looks at what impact the legislation could have on labour relations with the province's workers.
The Select Special Ethics and Accountability Committee is currently reviewing four key pieces of provincial legislation, including the Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act. Parkland Institute's Rebecca Graff-McRae looks at the current act aimed at protecting whistleblowers.
The anti-climactic nature of Alberta's new royalty framework should not be taken to mean that it is without significance or that it will be without impact going forward. This blog provides a brief overview of the good, the bad, and the ugly of the new royalty framework.
Why midwives matter
The economic argument for improved funding
Midwife care proponents have taken to social media to push for increased and stable funding for midwifery in Alberta. Parkland Institute Research Manager Rebecca Graff-McRae looks at the economic argument behind #mybabymybirth.
Little houses on the prairie
One solution to the refugee housing crunch
The lack of affordable and appropriate housing is one of the primary barriers to Alberta successfully welcoming an expected 2,500 to 3,000 refugees in the coming months and years. In this guest blog, Ashley Salvador offers one possible approach to address the need.
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