DEI Ban, Pledge Fight and RCMP Probe: Alberta's Big Week
The legislature is back, and it isn't wasting time. A DEI ban, a loyalty pledge fight, more heat on the health procurement probe, and a referendum count due tomorrow. Here's what matters in Alberta this Wednesday.
By Jason LaFace | Alberta Radio
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Bill 33: Hire the Best, Full Stop
Justice Minister Mickey Amery tabled Bill 33, the Justice Statutes Amendment Act, on Tuesday. It bans DEI considerations in hiring and promotion at municipalities, school boards, Crown corporations and post-secondary institutions. It ends mandatory DEI training unless the job actually requires it, and any training that remains must be "ideologically neutral." The government says the rules could later be extended to grant-funded non-profits by regulation.
Premier Danielle Smith put it simply: hire "the best-qualified people." That's not radical. It's what most Albertans assumed was happening all along. The NDP's Kathleen Ganley called the bill "a solution in want of a problem," and AUPE called it "dog-whistle politics." If merit hiring is a dog whistle, it's one taxpayers have been waiting to hear.
The same bill adds penalties for sharing or threatening to share intimate images, including deepfakes. That part should get support from every side of the house.
Bill 34 and a Busy Fall Sitting
Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally also introduced Bill 34, the Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act. Less red tape is always welcome. The sitting runs to Dec. 3, with up to 14 government bills expected, including legislation to add and redistribute ridings before the 2027 election.
The Pledge Fight
Smith says UCP board candidates must pledge not to advocate separation, and 2027 candidates will have to affirm pro-Canada views. Separation is again missing from the list of resolutions for the party's AGM.
I understand the premier wants to close the chapter. But telling grassroots members what they may and may not advocate is a strange look for a party that talks about free speech. Hundreds of thousands of Albertans voted to leave. Party members won't stop thinking about autonomy because a form tells them to.
Getson's Seat Sits Empty
Shane Getson resigned as MLA for Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland on Oct. 26. A by-election isn't legally required before the Oct. 19, 2027 general election. The legislature now stands at UCP 46, NDP 39, PC 1 and one vacancy. Leaving rural voters without an MLA for nearly a year is legal. Whether it's right is another question.
The AHS Probe and the Inquiry Smith Won't Call
In question period, Smith again rejected calls for a public inquiry into the health procurement affair now under RCMP investigation. She pointed to the 2025 Wyant review and its "millions of pages of documents." But that review couldn't subpoena witnesses or take sworn testimony. NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi says "the net is tightening."
Let's be fair. No one has been charged, and the allegations haven't been tested in court. But a government that believes in accountability shouldn't fear sworn testimony. If the record is clean, an inquiry with real powers would prove it.
Referendum: Official Results Tomorrow
Elections Alberta releases official referendum results on Thursday, Oct. 29. The unofficial count is about 75% Remain and 25% Separate. Meanwhile, Nenshi called the whole referendum a "colossal waste of time." Tell that to the hundreds of thousands of Albertans who turned out to be heard. Democracy is never a waste of time.
Also at the Legislature
The province issued an Oct. 21 order directing Calgary and Edmonton land-use bylaws. Edmonton must release its infill amendments by mid-November, with a Jan. 22, 2027 deadline. Edmonton council voted 9-3 to ask for a national task force on municipal autonomy.
One year after the back-to-work law, the Alberta Teachers' Association says classrooms are still overcrowded and short-staffed, and it wants its Charter rights restored. Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides says 2,100 teachers and 1,000 educational assistants have been hired.
Crime Watch
Calgary: Imani Lionel Cross, 26, is charged with fraud over $5,000, possession of proceeds of crime and laundering in a card scam involving impersonation of bank staff and police. He's due in court Oct. 29. Never hand your card to anyone who calls claiming to be your bank or the police.
Calgary police and Alberta Sheriffs arrested 19 people and executed 87 warrants at 62 homes in a District 3 sweep. That's what proactive policing looks like.
Calgary: Sage Youngman, 20, faces gun and drug charges after allegedly breaching release conditions, including a curfew and weapons ban, within 48 hours of being released. He's due in court Nov. 6. Two days. Catch-and-release bail needs fixing, and Ottawa holds the pen.
Edmonton: the trial of the Chinatown murder suspect faces more delays. Separately, Cory Wiltzen remains charged with second-degree murder, arson and indignity to human remains in the death of Teresa Katcheech. All accused are presumed innocent.
Wainwright: Remembering Four Soldiers
Four soldiers were killed in the Oct. 17 range fire at CFB Wainwright: Sgt. Morgan Wong and Privates Shaun Farrell, Aidan Goulding and Hayden Lykkemark. National Defence says 27 remain in hospital and 12 have been discharged. About 28 burn specialists from Ontario were flown to Edmonton to help.
Military police, a Board of Inquiry and the coroner are all investigating, and the Chief of the Defence Staff has promised public findings. The U.S. ambassador, Pete Hoekstra, has offered help. These families deserve the full truth, and soon.
Weather and Around the Province
Edmonton and area could see up to 15 cm of snow through Oct. 29. Leave early and drive for the conditions.
Tourmaline's proposed data centre in west-central Alberta is drawing questions from residents. And federal NDP leader Avi Lewis wants federal help for an employee buyback of BioWare after EA shut the studio. Ottawa buying a game studio? Let's just say Albertans will want to see the business plan.
Support Independent Alberta Media
Alberta Radio is listener-supported. If you value news told straight, without a federal subsidy, a $50 donation helps keep our operations running.
Visit www.albertaradio.ca for more.
Source: Os1ris News Aggregation
