Phone: 780-424-5890 - Toll Free: 1-800-661-3348 - www.chbaalberta.ca
Alberta Advocate
April 7, 2015
ELECTION 2015
CHBA – Alberta’s Key Messages
The writ has been dropped and a provincial election is
underway. The campaign provides an opportunity for
CHBA – Alberta and its members to ask questions
about key issues for new home buyers and the
residential construction industry.
The most important issues in the 2015 Alberta election
for our industry are the review of the Municipal
Government Act (MGA) and the promise to grant City
Charters to Calgary and Edmonton.
CHBA – Alberta is non-partisan and does not endorse
candidates and parties. During the election period,
CHBA – Alberta’s focus will be on communicating our
key messages to possible future decision-makers.
Members also have the opportunity to engage with
local candidates to amplify our messages.
One way to get their attention is to point out that home
building and renovation is a major component of this
province’s economy. Residential construction in Alberta
drives creation of 125,100 jobs that generate $7.9
billion in wages annually and $17.9 billion in
investment. Get more detail and the economic impact
figures for your community on our website.
Members have a number of options to contact
candidates:
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CHBA – Alberta is participating in the MGA review
because the legislation defines the powers of every
municipality where our members build or renovate
homes.
We are concerned that some of the changes advocated
for by municipalities will raise the cost of homes. More
expensive housing will keep young people from
achieving the dream of home ownership and raise the
cost of living for all Albertans.
CHBA – Alberta’s submission to government, 10 Steps
to a Stronger Municipal Government Act, outlines our
concerns about development levies, inclusionary
zoning, the need for limits on bylaw powers, confusion
over building code jurisdiction, and the need for
transparency and accountability at the municipal level.
Please read the 10 Steps for more details about these
issues.
CHBA – Alberta will be working throughout the election
to highlight the need for Alberta to create legislation that
recognizes the need to build homes and communities
people can afford to live in.
Attend local forums and events
Send letters or emails
Call campaign offices
A list of nominated candidates by constituency can be
found here and contact information will be updated
there as well as on the party websites listed below.
Key Dates and Information
Election Day is May 5 when 87 seats will be up for
grabs. Find more information about the vote and rules
at Elections Alberta.
We urge you to remind candidates that there is only
one taxpayer and one consumer. Levels of government,
developers or builders ultimately pass costs on –
whether to an individual who is purchasing a new home
or paying their taxes.
Party Leaders and websites
Details of major proposed MGA changes are expected
to be revealed this fall. The government plans to
consider feedback from stakeholders until the spring of
2016.
Jim Prentice - PC
Brian Jean - Wildrose
Rachel Notley - NDP
David Swann – Liberal
Greg Clark - Alberta Party
The 2015 Election is an opportunity for members to
challenge election candidates about where they stand
on MGA, housing issues and broaden the discussion on
City Charters to include CHBA – Alberta and other
stakeholders.
Alberta Advocate