March 8 return set for legislature

Albertans can expect a shorter spring session than usual, if predictions by NDP house leader Brian Mason are anything to go by.

The 2018 legislature calendar appeared online Monday, indicating a March 8 start for the house.

That’s a week later than last year, but Mason said Monday the timing is fairly standard.

Legislation says spring session can begin the second Tuesday in February.

The government works out when to kick off by weighing up its legislative agenda, the estimated time to complete the budget process and when it will be ready to head back.

“The premier has signalled the heavy lifting part of the legislative agenda is done, but there will be important pieces of legislation that we’ll have to deal with,” Mason said in an interview.

“It may be a little shorter than other spring sessions have been — but then again, I wouldn’t bet my house on it.”

The session will begin with a throne speech.

The budget process will then take up a good chunk of time, and government must ensure everything is in place for cannabis legalization on July 1.

Mason doesn’t know how many bills will go before the house before it wraps June 7, but it’s unlikely to be near the 19 passed in the fall.

March 8 will also see Jason Kenney take a seat in the Alberta legislature for the first time.

Mason said he hopes the new United Conservative Party leader will keep it civil.

“The previous federal government in which (Kenney) served was known for being aggressive and a little nasty in the house,” Mason said.

“We have lots of things we disagree on, but there’s no reason you can’t debate them in a reasonable fashion.”

Despite the recent addition of former UCP MLA Rick Fraser to the Alberta Party, Mason said it’s unlikely that party will up its question count.

“You don’t just get an extra question every time you get an extra member.

“Otherwise, there wouldn’t be any questions left for the official Opposition.”