Background

In March 2007, the Government of Alberta introduced Bill 1, the Lobbyist Act. While other provinces have lobbying legislation, Alberta’s Bill 1 affects more people, requires more reporting, and makes more activities illegal. For nonprofits and charities, the Act could add administrative burden, hinder collaboration, and cut government off from a readily-available and informed pipeline to community.

December 5 Update
We are delighted that the Lobbyists Act has been passed in the Assembly and includes the amendment announced by House Leader Dave Hancock to exempt all charities and nonprofits serving the "public good" (i.e.: not including those constituted to serve management, union, or professional interests). The Bill is now awaiting Royal Assent, which should happen very soon.

The exemption is a significant amendment and is consistent with a similar exemption for nonprofits serving the public in Quebec. The amendment goes well beyond the recommendations put forward by the Standing Committee on Government Services in addressing the concerns raised by the sector.

It is clear that MLAs across the province consistently heard from nonprofit organizations, and that nonprofits responses went a very long way in shaping amendments to Bill 1. Whether you contacted your MLA, signed on to the joint submission, or passed Bill 1 information on to a colleague, thank you for getting involved.

Information on Bill 1, from CCVO and other nonprofits

Feel free to copy text from the pieces below for use by your own organization.

• Our December 12 letter thanking MLAs for changes to Bill 1
• Timeline of Bill 1
• Our In Brief publication about Bill 1 as originally drafted (also discusses federal legislation)
• Our November 8 letter to MLAs and news release

• Joint Submission to government, endorsed by 160 nonprofits and prepared by the Muttart Foundation
• An analysis of Bill 1 and its affect on the sector, by The Legal Resource Centre
• Volunteer Alberta information
  

Government information

• Government webpage on the Bill
• Key points, compiled by CCVO, from the Assembly transcripts for November 14 and November 21 (or view the Full transcripts, called Hansards, for November 14, 15, and 21).
• MLA Standing committee webpage, including their recommendations report, a list of involved MLAs, public hearing documents and committee meeting transcripts .

In the News

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Kim Mustard at CCVO at 261-6655.