MLA Schow talks spring session

By Heather Cameron
Taber Times
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

During a media conference on May 15, 2025, Government House Leader, MLA for Cardston-Siksika and former Minister of Tourism and Sport, and current Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade, and Immigration Joseph Schow provided a summary of the progress made by Alberta’s government during the spring session.

“This spring, our government passed 19 bills, fulfilled multiple platform commitments and delivered on strong mandate received from Albertans,” said MLA Schow. “Every piece of legislation our government brought forward this session was driven by one goal: to make life better for Albertans. I’m proud to be part of a team that meets the challenges Albertans are facing today and positions our province for long-term success.”

That legislation, MLA Schow stated, included the passing of The Automobile Insurance Act to enable better, faster, cheaper auto insurance for Albertans. The Compassionate Intervention Act, MLA Schow stated, was also passed to address the addiction crisis, adding another tool to the Alberta Recovery Model and giving Albertans struggling with severe addiction the opportunity to rebuild their lives and reconnect with their family, community and culture.

In addition to that, MLA Schow also highlighted the passing of The Agricultural Operation Practices Amendment Act, which provides clarity for the emerging biogas industry, spurring job-creating investment in rural Alberta. MLA Schow also touched upon The Critical Infrastructure Defence Amendment Act, which protects essential infrastructure and supports the government’s work under the Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act, along with The Education Amendment Act, which reflects changes in the education landscape, strengthens accountability in school boards, and increases clarity and efficiency in the teacher discipline process, and The Election Statutes Amendment Act, which is meant to protect democracy, deliver fair and open elections and restore confidence in every vote cast.  

The Health Statutes Amendment Act, MLA Schow says, continues the work to refocus the healthcare system, and ensures patients receive the care they need, when and where they need it. The Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, is intended to strengthen local governance and collaboration, streamline processes and bolster protections for new home builders and buyers were other pieces of legislation the government addressed, was also part of the work done this session, MLA Schow stated.

MLA Schow says that The Professional Governance Act, which ensures Alberta has a modern, uniform governance framework for professional regulatory organizations and The Wildlife Amendment Act, which aligns the Wildlife Act with current knowledge and best practices, supports enhanced opportunities for hunting and trapping, and reduces human-wildlife conflicts and streamlining enforcement approaches, was included in that work too.

MLA Schow also highlighted that the UCP government has kept life affordable for Albertans over the last two years through other measures including cutting taxes, refocusing healthcare so patients get the care they need, getting homes built, and opening navigation centers to help vulnerable Albertans access life- changing services and supports.

The government, MLA Schow explained, assisted over 11,000 people so far with their measures. On top of that, MLA Schow explained, the government grew the Heritage Savings and Trust fund to a record high and are charting a course to achieve long-term growth and financial stability for the province. In addition to that, Schow explained, Budget 2025 delivered a promised income tax cut, saving families up to $1,500 per year. 

“What we created made an Alberta solution to meet the challenges of today while building a brighter and stronger tomorrow,” said MLA Schow. “Our government has always been and will continue to be unapologetic in our fight to protect and promote a strong and sovereign Alberta within a united Canada because we are relentless in our work to create a brighter future for Alberts, ensuring our province remains the best place in the world to live, to work, to invest, and to raise a family. Every piece of legislation our government brought forward this session was driven by one goal: to make life better for Albertans. I’m proud to be part of a team that meets the challenges Albertans are facing today and positions our province for long-term success.”