Alberta government slashing regulations for identification, international professionals, tourism, hunting
CBC
The Alberta government says it is cutting regulations that oversee driver’s licences and ID cards, all-season resorts, accreditation for international professionals and deer and elk hunting.
Bill 10, the Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act, includes five legislative amendments which were tabled by Dale Nally, minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction on Monday in the legislature.
“Alberta has reduced red tape by 35 per cent since 2019. We've eliminated nearly 220,000 regulatory requirements and completed hundreds of initiatives to reduce red tape,” said Nally during a news conference.
“Cumulatively, all this work has generated more than $3 billion in savings for Albertans and Alberta businesses.”
Here are some of the changes that are part of the Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act.
The government said it will make it mandatory for Canadian citizenship and public healthcare numbers to be included on pieces of identification like driver's licenses and Alberta ID cards.
This would amend both the Traffic Safety Act and Government Organization Act.
“The good news is you only have to do it once, and then when you're applying for future benefits with the Government of Alberta, it's going to make it easier for you,” Nally said, adding the change is expected to take place by mid-2026.
In September, Premier Danielle Smith announced the province would add citizenship markers to allow Albertans to more effectively apply for funding and services like student aid, health benefits and disability supports.
Smith said the incorporation of the new mandatory marker would ensure that Alberta was "prioritizing those who are Canadian citizens first" in accessing social services.
However, Alberta Privacy Commissioner Diane McLeod said in September she's concerned about the provincial government's plan to include citizenship information on driver's licences.
McLeod said at the time that her office was not informed about the new rule and that it is unclear how the new markers will benefit Albertans.
Nally said it will be up to the health ministry whether the province makes the switch away from paper health cards.
The Fair Registration Practices Act will be amended so that first-time applicants who are professionals with international experience have access to working in regulated professions.
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