Alberta Record

· Order in Council / Election Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 proclamation · enacted

Election statutes amendment act 2025 proclamation

Proclaims specific sections of the Election Statutes Amendment Act, 2025, into force, effective July 4, 2025.

High impactElection rulesInstitutional independenceThe public, directlyLegislatureCourts

What changed

  • Sections 1 to 8, 10, and 11 of the Election Statutes Amendment Act, 2025, are brought into legal effect.
  • The effective date for these sections is July 4, 2025.
  • Establishes the Election Regulation under the Election Act.
  • Sets a maximum of $20,000 for reasonable and proper costs that a judge may direct the Crown to pay under section 148.1(1) of the Election Act.
  • The Lieutenant Governor in Council makes the Excess Contribution Threshold Regulation (A.R. 149/2025).
  • This new regulation defines the "specified amount" for excess contributions under the Election Finances and Contributions Disclosure Act.
  • The specified amount is established as $10,000 in excess of the applicable contribution limit.
  • The regulation applies for the purposes of sections 44.951, 51.01(2.1), and 53(2) of the Act.
  • The regulation comes into force concurrently with section 7(88) of the Election Statutes Amendment Act, 2025.

Why it matters

  • This Order in Council formalizes the legal implementation of specific legislative changes outlined in the Election Statutes Amendment Act, 2025.
  • The proclamation establishes July 4, 2025, as the date from which these amendments to election statutes become legally binding.
  • Limits the financial exposure of the Crown regarding costs associated with judicial directions under section 148.1(1) of the Election Act.
  • Introduces a defined financial cap on judicial discretion concerning cost awards in specific election-related legal proceedings.
  • Provides regulatory clarity by establishing a precise financial threshold for what constitutes an excess election contribution.
  • Supports the enforcement framework of the Election Finances and Contributions Disclosure Act by defining a key parameter for compliance.
  • Informs political parties, candidates, and contributors about the specific financial limits and consequences related to election financing.

Rights affected

  • Access to information — The ability to see public records and government decisions.
  • Voting & democratic participation — The mechanics and integrity of elections and referenda.

Other governance concerns

  • The specific impact on electoral processes, voter rights, and democratic governance is determined by the content of the proclaimed sections of the Election Statutes Amendment Act, 2025.
  • Limits judicial discretion in awarding costs under section 148.1(1) of the Election Act.
  • Potential implications for individuals seeking cost recovery in election-related legal challenges if awarded costs exceed the established cap.
  • Transparency in election finance
  • Fairness of election rules

Primary sources (3)

Secondary sources (1)