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Government to take legislative action against COVID-19

Last Updated Apr 2, 2020 at 1:02 pm MDT

Premiere Jason Kenney provides an update on COVID-19 on March 27 (Screenshot from provincial update March 27)

The Alberta government is introducing three new pieces of legislation to help with the ongoing fight against COVID-19.

Two of the bills were previously announced by Premier Jason Kenney including Bill 10, which proposes changes to the Public Health Act by giving law enforcement the authority to enforce public health order.

READ MORE: More closures and restrictions handed down by Alberta government as COVID-19 cases rise to 542

The other bill, Bill 11, protects renters in the province by ensuring no one will be retroactively charged rent increases or late fees during the ongoing health emergency.

READ MORE: Premier Kenney announces eviction ban to protect renters in Alberta during COVID-19 pandemic

The third bill supports Alberta’s energy sector, which is under severe economic strain due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bill 12 allows the government to expand authority for the Orphan Well Association to manage orphan sites, as well as providing the OWA with an additional $100 million, says Government House Leader Jason Nixon.

“With this proposed legislation, we are aiming to help the association accelerate the cleanup of orphaned wells and associated infrastructure,” said Nixon.

“Fast-tracking this work will boost employment in our oil services sector and protect jobs during these challenging economic times.”