Changes to Bill 21 - Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act

Bill 21, the Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act, 2022, was introduced in the Alberta Legislative Assembly on April 25, 2022. The Bill proposes amendments to fifteen pieces of legislation across nine different ministries, and is part of the effort from the Alberta government to cut red tape by one-third to reduce costs and regulatory burden for businesses while making it easier for Albertans to access government programs and services.

The ACCA is happy to see the changes to both the Cooperatives Act and the Rural Utilities Act within Bill 21. Reducing these regulations surrounding co-operatives is a positive step, and a good start to the many changes that need to be made to allow co-operatives to reach their fullest potential. 

"Our vision is to see Western Canada become the friendliest place in Canada for co-operatives” says Vicki Zinyk, ACCA Board Chair. “These changes are a great start in unlocking the potential that co-operatives can provide to this great province."

The ACCA looks forward to continuing to work with the government to reduce red tape, which would enable co-operatives to build more affordable housing, invest dollars back into the community, and save local businesses.