• About
  • Offices
  • Careers
  • News
  • Students
  • Alumni
  • Payments
  • EN | FR
Background Image
Bennett Jones Logo
  • People
  • Expertise
  • Knowledge
  • Search
  • FR Menu
  • Search Mobile
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
View all
Practices
Corporate Litigation Regulatory Tax View all
Industries
Energy Infrastructure Mining Private Equity & Investment Funds View all
Advisory
Crisis & Risk Management Public Policy
View Client Work
International Experience
Insights News Events Subscribe
Arbitration Angle Artificial Intelligence Insights Business Law Talks Podcast Class Actions: Looking Forward Class Action Quick Takes
Economic Outlook New Energy Economy Series Quarterly Fintech Insights Quarterly M&A Insights Sustainability & the CIO
People
Offices
About
Practices
Industries
Advisory Services
Client Work
Insights
News
Events
Careers
Law Students
Alumni
Payments
Search
Subscribe

Stay informed on the latest business and legal insights and events.

LinkedIn LinkedIn Twitter Twitter Vimeo Vimeo
 
Blog

The Provincial Government Introduces Sweeping Changes to Alberta's Workplaces

July 30, 2020

Written By Laura Inglis, Stephanie Henry and John Gilmore

When the United Conservative Party (UCP) took power in Alberta in 2019, the government introduced Bill 2, An Act to Make Alberta Open for Business, which reversed many of the changes to employment standards and labour relations implemented by the previous provincial government. On July 7, 2020, the UCP introduced Bill 32, Restoring Balance in Alberta's Workplaces Act.

Bill 32 passed its final reading on July 28, 2020, and received Royal Assent on July 29, 2020. Some sections of the bill still require proclamation to come into force.

Bill 32 effectuates further significant changes to Alberta's workplaces, aimed at reducing administrative burdens and red tape, creating efficiencies and costs savings for employers and bringing increased fairness to unionized environments. As Labour Minister Jason Copping said at the July 7, 2020, press conference introducing the legislation, "Significant changes were made under the previous government that pushed the balance toward the union side. We needed to make some changes to restore that balance."

Bill 32 changes a number of key provisions in the Employment Standards Code, RSA 2000, c E-9, (ESC), and the Labour Relations Code, RSA 2000, c L-1 (LRC), including modifications to the layoff provisions, group termination provisions, the required timing of payments upon termination of employment, the terms of averaging agreements (now averaging arrangements), the remedial certification provisions, the certification and revocation timelines, the reverse onus provisions in relation to unfair labour practice complaints, and the construction sector provisions in Part 3 of the LRC. Bill 32 has also introduced highly contentious changes in relation to the payment of union dues and trade union financial disclosure to members.

Given the breadth of the changes ushered in by Bill 32, employers in both unionized and non-unionized environments should carefully review and consider the impact of Bill 32 on their workplaces, as the legislation presents opportunities for cost savings and efficiencies. The full details of Bill 32 can be found on the Government of Alberta's website, however, at a high level, the practical application of these changes is that Alberta's employers will have greater flexibility in responding to these challenging economic times.

Bennett Jones' Employment Services Group is well-equipped to discuss Bill 32's impact on your business and assist with implementing any necessary changes to your workplace.

Please note that this publication presents an overview of notable legal trends and related updates. It is intended for informational purposes and not as a replacement for detailed legal advice. If you need guidance tailored to your specific circumstances, please contact one of the authors to explore how we can help you navigate your legal needs.

For permission to republish this or any other publication, contact Amrita Kochhar at kochhara@bennettjones.com.

Download PDF

Author

  • Laura  Inglis Laura Inglis, Partner

Related Links

  • Insights
  • Media
  • Subscribe

Recent Posts

Blog

Final Guidelines from the Competition Bureau on Environmental [...]

June 19, 2025
       

Blog

Ross v. Luypaert: Separating Shared Property Interests [...]

June 18, 2025
       

Blog

Large Load Integration on Alberta’s Electricity Grid: [...]

June 13, 2025
       

Blog

Ontario Introduces Bill 30, Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025

June 13, 2025
       

Blog

Hydro-Québec Announces Call for Tenders for 300 MW Acquisition

June 12, 2025
       
Bennett Jones Centennial Footer
Bennett Jones Centennial Footer
About
  • Leadership
  • Diversity
  • Community
  • Innovation
  • Security
Offices
  • Calgary
  • Edmonton
  • Montréal
  • Ottawa
  • Toronto
  • Vancouver
  • New York
Connect
  • Insights
  • News
  • Events
  • Careers
  • Students
  • Alumni
Subscribe

Stay informed on the latest business and legal insights and events.

LinkedIn LinkedIn Twitter Twitter Vimeo Vimeo
© Bennett Jones LLP 2025. All rights reserved.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms of Use
Logo Bennett Jones