Alberta Record

· Order in Council / Members' Gifts and Benefits Regulation · in-force

Members gifts benefits regulation

Establishes the Members' Gifts and Benefits Regulation under the Conflicts of Interest Act, setting specific thresholds and reporting requirements for gifts and benefits received by Members of the Legislative Assembly and their families.

Moderate impactCivil libertiesInstitutional independenceElection rulesCourtsThe public, directlyLegislatureIndependent watchdogs

What changed

  • Sections 1(2), 1(3), 1(6), and 1(7) of the Justice Statutes Amendment Act, 2023 are proclaimed into force.
  • These specific legislative provisions become legally effective across Alberta on January 1, 2024.
  • Establishes the Members' Gifts and Benefits Regulation under the Conflicts of Interest Act.
  • Prescribes a $500 threshold for fees, non-monetary gifts, and benefits under section 7(3)(a) of the Act.
  • Sets a $250 threshold for disclosure relating to fees, gifts, and other benefits under section 12(e) of the Act.
  • Defines a tiered system for accepting tickets, invitations, fee waivers, and travel reimbursements for Members and their families, with thresholds at $250, $1000, and above.
  • Requires Members to record specific information for gifts and benefits valued over $250.
  • Mandates reporting to the Ethics Commissioner within 60 days for tickets, invitations, fee waivers, or travel reimbursements valued over $1000.

Why it matters

  • The proclamation implements new legislative changes outlined in the designated sections of the Justice Statutes Amendment Act, 2023.
  • These sections will become legally binding and enforceable as of the specified date, impacting the provincial legal framework.
  • The precise scope and nature of these changes are not detailed within the Order in Council text.
  • Standardizes the rules governing the acceptance and disclosure of gifts and benefits by Members of the Legislative Assembly.
  • Enhances transparency by requiring detailed recording and, for higher values, reporting of certain benefits to the Ethics Commissioner.
  • Provides clear financial thresholds, reducing ambiguity in compliance for Members and their families.
  • Formalizes the Ethics Commissioner's role in overseeing the disclosure of significant gifts and benefits.
  • Aims to mitigate potential conflicts of interest by establishing explicit guidelines for financial interactions.

Rights affected

  • Access to information — The ability to see public records and government decisions.

Other governance concerns

  • Specific impacts on rights and governance are not detailed in the Order in Council text.
  • Transparency of elected officials' financial dealings
  • Accountability for gifts and benefits received by public officials
  • Potential for influence through gifts and benefits

Primary sources (2)

Secondary sources (3)