EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACT (RSA 2000 cE-6.8)

RSA 2000 cE-6.8

Alberta — Consolidated Statutes

© Published by Alberta King’s Printer Alberta King’s Printer Suite 700, Park Plaza 10611 - 98 Avenue Edmonton, AB T5K 2P7 Phone: 780-427-4952 E-mail: kings-printer@gov.ab.ca Shop on-line at kings-printer.alberta.ca Province of Alberta Office Consolidation Revised Statutes of Alberta 2000

Chapter E-6.8 Current as of June 11, 2025 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACT

Copyright and Permission Statement The Government of Alberta, through the Alberta King’s Printer, holds copyright for all Alberta legislation. Alberta King’s Printer permits any person to reproduce Alberta’s statutes and regulations without seeking permission and without charge, provided due diligence is exercised to ensure the accuracy of the materials produced, and copyright is acknowledged in the following format: © Alberta King’s Printer, 20__.* *The year of first publication of the legal materials is to be completed.

Note All persons making use of this consolidation are reminded that it has no legislative sanction, that amendments have been embodied for convenience of reference only. The official Statutes and Regulations should be consulted for all purposes of interpreting and applying the law. Regulations The following is a list of the regulations made under the Emergency Management Act that are filed as Alberta Regulations under the Regulations Act Alta. Reg.

Amendments Emergency Management Act Disaster Recovery .......................................... 51/94 ............... 196/2006, 218/2022, 131/2025 Government Emergency Management ........... 248/2007 ......... 112/2012, 18/2017, 216/2017, 202/2018, 114/2025 Local Authority Emergency Management ..... 203/2018 ......... 115/2025

1 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACT

Chapter E-6.8 Table of Contents 1

Definitions 2 Crown bound 3 Proof of authorization

Part 1 Administration 3 . 1 Alberta Emergency Management Agency 4 Cabinet Committee 5 Advisory committees 6 Regulations 6 . 1 Transitional matters and regulations 7 Subrogation regulations 7 . 0 1 Establishment of directives and guidelines 7 . 0 2 Incorporation of directives or guidelines 7.1 Local authority emergency management regulations 9 Powers of Minister 1 0 Ministerial orders 1 1 Municipal emergency organization 11.1 Emergency advisory committee 11.2 Emergency management agency 11.21 Reporting to the Minister 11.3 Delegation by local authority 1 2 Disaster Relief Fund 1 3 Recovery of expenditures 1 4 Fees 1 7 Offence 17.1 Confidentiality

Part 2 State of Emergency 1 8 Declaration of sta te of emergency

RSA 2000

Section 1

Chapter E-6.8 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACT 2 18.1 Duty to consult 1 9 Powers of Minister in emergency 19.1 Compliance with evacuation order 2 0 Termination of sta te of emergency 2 1 Declaration of state of local emergency 2 2 Cancellation of declaration o f state of local emergency 2 3 Termination of declaration o f state of local emergency 23.1 Notice provisions do not apply 2 4 Powers of local authority 24.1 Compensation payable 2 5 Dispute re compensation amount 2 6 Conscript ’s employment

Part 3 Liability Protection for Emergency Service Providers 27 Minister 2 8 Local authority 2 9 Search and rescue organization

Preamble

WHEREAS emergencies require the prompt coordination of action or special regulation of persons or property to protect the safety, health or welfare of people or to limit damage to property or the environment;

WHEREAS the Government of Alberta and local authorities must be vested with sufficient powers to meet emergencies; and

WHEREAS the Government of Alberta and local authorities must have regard to individual rights and freedoms in the exercise of powers under this Act to meet emergencies; THEREFORE HER MAJESTY, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, enacts as follows:

Definitions 1(1) In this Act, (a) “Agency” means the Alberta Emergency Management Agency referred to in

section 3.1(1); (a.1) “Cabinet Committee” means the committee of the Executive Council appointed under

section 4; (b) “declaration of a state of emergency” means an order of th e Lieutenant Governor in Council under

section 18;

RSA 2000

Section 1

Chapter E-6.8 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACT 3 (c) “declaration of a state of local emergency” means a resolution or order of a local authority under

section 21; (

d) repealed 2007 c12 s3; (e) “disaster” means an event that results in serious harm to the safety, health or welfare of people or in widespread damage to property or the environment; (f) “emergency” means a sudden and temporary event that requires prompt co-ordination of action or special regulation of persons or property to protect the safety, health or welfare of people or to limit damage to property or the environment; (f.1) “evacuation order” means an evacuation order made under

section 19(1)(

g) or

section 24(1)(b); (g) “local authority” means (

i) where a municipality has a council within the meaning of the Municipal Government Act, that council, (ii) in the case of an improvement district, the Minister responsible for the Municipal Government Act, (iii) in the case of a special area, the Minister responsible for the Special Areas Act, (iv) the settlement council of a settlement under the Metis Settlements Act, (

v) the park superintendent of a national park or the superintendent’s delegate where an agreement is entered into with the Government of Canada under

section 9(

b) in which it is agreed that the park superintendent is a local authority for the purposes of this Act, or (vi) the band council of an Indian band where an agreement is entered into with the Government of Canada under

section 9(

b) in which it is agreed that the band council is a local authority for the purposes of this Act; (g.1) “Managing Director” mean s the Senior Assistant Deputy Minister and Managing Director designated under

section 3.1(2), and includes any person acting in the capacity of the Senior Assistant Deputy Minister and Managing Director; (h) “Minister” means the Minist er determined under

section 16 of the Government Organization Act as the Minister responsible for this Act;

RSA 2000

Section 2

Chapter E-6.8 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACT 4 (i) “municipality” means the ar ea comprising a municipality within the meaning of the Municipal Government Act or an improvement district or special area and includes (

i) the settlement area of a settlement under the Metis Settlements Act, (ii) the area comprising a national park where an agreement is entered into with the Government of Canada under

section 9(

b) in which it is agreed that the park superintendent is a local authority for the purposes of this Act, and (iii) the area comprising an Indian reserve where an agreement is entered into with the Government of Canada under

section 9(

b) in which it is agreed that the band council is a local authority for the purposes of this Act.

(2) For greater certainty, a reference in this Act to an order (

a) made under

section 19(1) or (1.1) includes an order made b y the Managing Director or any other person authorized to make that order under

section 19(7), (a.1) made under

section 22(2) or (3.2) or 24(1.01), (1.011), (1.013) or (1.02) includes an order made by the Managing Director or any other person authorized to make that order under

section 24(1.015), and (

b) made under

section 24(1)(

b) includes an order made by a person authorized by a local authority to make that order under

section 24(1)(c). RSA 2000 cD-13 s1;2002 c32 s5;2004 c30 s2;2007 c12 s3; 2018 c14 s2;2020 c7 s2;2024 c9 s4;2025 c14 s1 Crown bound 2 This Act binds the Crown. 1992 c31 s3 Proof of authorization 3(1) If the Minister authorizes a person to carry out a power or duty of the Minister under this Act as the Minister responsible for this Act or as a local authority and the authorization (

a) is made in writing, (

b) purports to be signed by the Minister responsible for the Municipal Government Act or the Minister responsible for the Special Areas Act, and

RSA 2000

Section 3.1

Chapter E-6.8 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACT 5 (

c) states that the person named in it is authorized under thi s

section to carry out the power or duty set out in the written authorization, that written authorization or a copy of it shall be admitted in evidence as proof, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, of that person’s authorization to carry out the power or duty without proof of the signature or official character of the Minister.

(2) In a proceeding under this Act in which proof is required as to the existence and contents of a declaration or order made under this Act, a certified or notarized copy of the declaration or order is admissible in evidence as proof of the statements contained in the declaration or order, and proof of the signature of the Minister or members of the local authority is not required. RSA 2000 cD-13 s3;2007 c12 s4;2010 c5 s2;2018 c14 s3

Part 1 Administration Alberta Emergency Management Agency 3.1(1) There shall be a part of the public service of Alberta known as the “Alberta Emergency Management Agency”.

(2) The Minister shall designate a person employed in the Minister’s department as the Senior Assistant Deputy Minister and Managing Director of the Agency.

(3) In accordance with the Public Service Act, there may be appointed such officers and employees that the Minister considers are required for the administration of the business and affairs of the Agency. 2007 c12 s5;2018 c14 s4;2025 c14 s1 Cabinet Committee 4 The Lieutenant Governor in Council may appoint a committee consisting of those members of the Executive Council whom the Lieutenant Governor in Council designates to advise on matters relating to emergencies and disasters. RSA 1980 cD-36 s3 Advisory committees 5(1) The Minister may appoint committees as the Minister considers necessary or desirable to advise or assist the Minister, the Cabinet Committee or the Managing Director.

(2) The members of committees appointed under subsection (1) who are not officers or employees of the Crown, or officers or employees of an agency of the Crown, may be paid remuneration

RSA 2000

Section 6

Chapter E-6.8 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACT 6 for their services and expenses at a rate or rates fixed by the Minister. RSA 2000 cD-13 s5;2007 c12 s6 Regulations 6(1) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations (

a) assigning responsibility to departments, boards, commissions or Crown agencies for the preparation or implementation of plans or arrangements or parts of plans or arrangements to deal with emergencies; (

b) repealed 2018 c14 s5; (

c) governing the assessment of damage or loss caused by a disaster and the provision of financial or other assistance for the damage or loss; (c.1) respecting the provision of financial or other assistance in connection with measures taken to reduce or mitigate potential hazards, including regulations (

i) respecting the measures t o be taken to reduce or mitigate potential hazards that are eligible for the provision of financial or other assistance, and (ii) respecting the procedures applicable to and the proof required for the provision of financial or other assistance; (c.11) respecting the applican ts to whom financial or other assistance may be provided, including establishing classes of applicants and providing differently for those classes; (c.2) respecting the filing an d removal of caveats against titles to land in a flood fringe or floodway, as those terms are defined in the regulations, for which funding has been provided pursuant to a program for financial or other assistance administered under the regulations; (

d) governing the sharing of costs incurred by the Government of Alberta or by a local authority in conducting emergency operations; (

e) requiring persons (

i) who are engaged or may be engaged in any operation, (ii) who are utilizing or may be utilizing any process,

RSA 2000

Section 6.1

Chapter E-6.8 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACT 7 (iii) who are using any property in any manner, or (iv) on whose real property th ere exists or may exist any condition, that may be or may create a hazard to persons or property, whether independently or as a result of some other event, to develop plans and programs in conjunction with local authorities to remedy or alleviate the hazard and to meet any emergency that might arise from the hazard; (

f) governing the administration of the Disaster Relief Fund; (f.1) defining any word or expression used but not defined in this Act; (

g) concerning any other matte r or thing necessary for the administration of this Act and for which no specific provision is made in this Act.

(2) A regulation made under subsection (1)(c), (c.1), (c.11) or (

d) may be made retroactive to the extent set out in the regulation and to a date not earlier than April 1, 2025. RSA 2000 cD-13 s6;2002 c32 s5;2007 c12 s7;2010 c5 s3;2013 c21 s1; 2018 c14 s5;2025 c14 s1 Transitional matters and regulations 6.1(1) In this section, (a) “amended Act” means the Emergency Management Act as it reads on the coming into force of this section; (b) “former Act” means the Emergency Management Act as it read immediately before the coming into force of this section.

(2) Subject to any regulations made under subsection (3)(b), the former Act and regulations made under

section 6(c), (c.1), (c.2) or (

d) of the former Act as they read immediately before April 1, 2025 continue to apply in respect of the matters referred to in those regulations as they read immediately before April 1, 2025 to a disaster or emergency that occurred before April 1, 2025.

(3) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations (

a) respecting the transition of anything under the former Act to the amended Act relating to the following matters in respect of a disaster or emergency occurring on or after April 1, 2025:

RSA 2000

Section 6.1

Chapter E-6.8 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACT 8 (

i) the assessment of damage or loss caused by a disaster and the provision of financial or other assistance for the damage or loss; (ii) the provision of financial or other assistance in connection with measures taken to reduce or mitigate potential hazards, including (

A) measures to be taken to reduce or mitigate potential hazards that are eligible for the provision of financial or other assistance, and (

B) procedures applicable to and the proof required for the provision of financial or other assistance; (iii) the applicants to whom financial or other assistance may be provided, including establishing classes of applicants and providing differently for those classes; (iv) the sharing of costs incurred by the Government of Alberta or by a local authority in conducting emergency operations; (

b) applying a provision of the amended Act or a regulation made under

section 6(1)(c), (c.1), (c.11) or (

d) of the amended Act in respect of a matter referred to in clause (

a) to a disaster or emergency occurring before April 1, 2025 for which a program for financial or other assistance administered under the regulations is approved on or after April 1, 2025; (

c) to remedy any confusion, difficulty, inconsistency or impossibility resulting from the transition of anything under this Act relating to the matters referred to in clause (a).

(4) A regulation made under subsection (3) may be made retroactive to the extent set out in the regulation and to a date not earlier than April 1, 2025.

(5) A regulation made under subsection (3) is repealed on the earliest of the following: (

a) the coming into force of an amendment that adds the subject-matter of the regulation to this Act; (

b) the coming into force of a regulation that repeals the regulation made under subsection (3); (c) 3 years after the regul ation comes into force.

RSA 2000

Section 7

Chapter E-6.8 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACT 9

(6) The repeal of a regulation under subsection (5)(

b) or (

c) does not affect anything done, incurred or acquired under the authority of the regulation before the repeal of the regulation. 2025 c14 s1 Subrogation regulations 7(1) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations establishing that His Majesty in right of Alberta has a right of subrogation with respect to (

a) the provision of financial or other assistance made by His Majesty in right of Alberta for damage or loss caused by a disaster, or (

b) payments made by His Majesty in right of Alberta for the purpose of sharing costs incurred by a local authority in conducting emergency operations.

(2) The regulations under this

section may define and describe the right of subrogation and may deal with any matter respecting the enforcement of or procedures relating to the right of subrogation.

(3) The regulations under this

section may provide that the right of subrogation applies to payments made before November 15, 1993. RSA 2000 cE-6.8 s7;AR 217/2022;2025 c14 s1 Establishment of directives and guidelines 7.01(1) The Minister may, in writing, do the following as it relates to a matter for which a regulation may be made under

section 6(1)(c), (c.1), (c.11) or (d): (

a) establish a directive or guideline setting out rules or requirements relating to the matter; (

b) amend the directive or guideline.

(2) As soon as practicable after establishing or amending a directive or guideline under subsection (1), the Minister must make the directive or guideline or an amendment to it publicly available. 2025 c14 s1 Incorporation of directives or guidelines 7.02(1) A regulation made under

section 6(1)(c), (c.1), (c.11) or (

d) may adopt or incorporate, in whole or in part or with modifications, a directive or guideline, including a directive or guideline established by the Minister under

section 7.01 that relates to any matter in respect of which a regulation may be made under

section 6(1)(c), (c.1), (c.11) or (d).

RSA 2000

Section 7.1

Chapter E-6.8 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACT 10

(2) A directive or guideline may be adopted or incorporated under subsection (1) as it reads on a specific date or as amended from time to time. 2025 c14 s1 Local authority emergency management regulations 7.1 The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations (

a) respecting the powers, duties and functions of local authorities under this Act; (

b) respecting the establishment of emergency advisory committees referred to in

section 11.1, including the duties and functions of the committees; (

c) respecting the establishm ent of emergency management agencies referred to in

section 11.2, including the duties and functions of the agencies; (c.1) respecting reporting by a local authority under

section 11.21; (

d) respecting the delegation of a local authority’s powers or duties under this Act and the regulations; (

e) respecting training require ments for persons designated by the regulations; (

f) respecting the preparation, approval, maintenance and co-ordination of local authority emergency plans and programs; (

g) respecting the conduct of ex ercises relating to emergency plans. 2018 c14 s6;2024 c9 s4 8 Repealed 2011 c13 s3. Powers of Minister 9 The Minister may (

a) review and approve or require the modification of provinci al and municipal emergency plans and programs; (

b) enter into agreements with the Government of Canada or of any other province or territory or any agency of such a government, dealing with emergency plans and programs; (

c) make surveys and studies of resources and facilities to maintain and provide information necessary for the effective preparation of emergency plans and programs;

RSA 2000

Section 10

Chapter E-6.8 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACT 11 (

d) make surveys and studies to identify and record actual and potential hazards that may cause emergencies; (

e) make payments and grants, subject to any terms or conditions that the Minister may prescribe, to local authorities for the purposes of assisting in emergency preparedness and the provision of public safety programs; (

f) enter into agreements with a nd make payments or grants, or both, to persons or organizations for the provision of services in the development or implementation of emergency plans or programs; (

g) conduct public information programs relating to emergency preparedness for and the mitigation of disasters. RSA 1980 cD-36 s6;1985 c22 s7;1992 c31 s5;1995 c34 s13 Ministerial orders 10(1) The Minister may, by order, (

a) divide Alberta into various subdivisions for the purpose o f organizing integrated emergency planning, training, assistance and emergency operations programs; (

b) require local authorities of those municipalities located within a subdivision referred to in clause (

a) to prepare integrated plans, procedures and mutual assistance programs to deal with emergencies and to submit them to the Managing Director for review; (

c) establish procedures required for the prompt and efficient implementation of plans and programs to meet emergencies; (

d) require a person to whom the order is directed and (

i) who is engaged or may be engaged in any operation, (ii) who is utilizing or may be utilizing any process, (iii) who is using any property in any manner, or (iv) on whose real property th ere exists or may exist any condition, that may be or may create a hazard to persons or property, whether independently or as a result of some other event, to develop plans and programs in conjunction with one or more local authorities to remedy or alleviate the hazard and to meet any emergency that might arise from the hazard.

RSA 2000

Section 11

Chapter E-6.8 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACT 12

(2) The Regulations Act does not apply to an order made under subsection (1). RSA 2000 cD-13 s10;2002 c32 s5;2007 c12 s8 Municipal emergency organization 11 A local authority (

a) shall, at all times, be res ponsible for the direction and control of the local authority’s emergency response unless

section 19(5.1) applies or except to the extent provided in an order made under

section 24(1.01) or (1.011); (

b) shall approve emergency plans and programs, subject to the regulations; (

c) may enter into agreements with and make payments or grants, or both, to persons or organizations for the provision of services in the development or implementation of emergency plans or programs.

RSA 2000 cD-13 s11;2007 c12 s9;2010 c5 s4;2018 c14 s7; 2020 c2 s2;2024 c9 s4 Emergency advisory committee 11.1(1) A local authority shall appoint, subject to the regulations, an emergency advisory committee consisting of a member or members of the local authority or, in the case of an improvement district, a special area or a national park, a person or persons the local authority designates, to advise on the development of emergency plans and programs, and to exercise any powers delegated to the committee under

section 11.3(1)(a).

(2) The local authority shall provide for the payment of expenses of the members of the committee. 2010 c5 s4;2018 c14 s8 Emergency management agency 11.2(1) A local authority shall establish and maintain, subject to the regulations, an emergency management agency to act as the agent of the local authority in exercising the local authority’s powers and duties under this Act.

(2) There shall be a director of the emergency management agency, who shall (

a) prepare and co-ordinate emergency plans and programs for the municipality, (

b) act as director of emergency operations on behalf of the emergency management agency,

RSA 2000

Section 11.21

Chapter E-6.8 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACT 13 (

c) co-ordinate all emergency services and other resources use d in an emergency, and (

d) perform other duties as prescribed by the local authority.

(3) A local authority, except an improvement district, special area, national park or Indian reserve, may by bylaw that is not advertised borrow, levy, appropriate and expend all sums required for the operation of the emergency management agency.

(4) For greater certainty, an emergency management agency may be maintained by and may act as the agent of more than one local authority. 2010 c5 s4;2018 c14 s9 Reporting to the Minister 11.21(1) A local authority shall report to the Minister the following in respect of a state of local emergency, a disaster or emergency, emergency planning or any other activity by a local authority referred to in this Act: (

a) any information required b y the Minister at the times required by the Minister; (

b) any information prescribed by the regulations at the times prescribed by the regulations.

(2) The Minister, by order, may authorize the Managing Director or any other person to receive reports under this

section and to exercise the power given to the Minister under subsection (1). 2024 c9 s4 Delegation by local authority 11.3(1) A local authority may delegate some or all of the local authority’s powers or duties under this Act to (

a) a committee composed of a me mber or members of the local authority, including an emergency advisory committee appointed under

section 11.1(1), and (

b) subject to the regulations, one or more of the following: (

i) a regional services commission established under the Municipal Government Act representing 2 or more local authorities if the regional services commission is authorized by its bylaws to exercise that power or duty; (ii) if authorized by order of the Minister, a joint committee representing 2 or more local authorities that is composed

RSA 2000

Section 12

Chapter E-6.8 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACT 14 of one or more members appointed by each of the local authorities; (iii) in the case of a summer village and if authorized by order of the Minister, another local authority.

(1.1) Where, under subsection (1)(b)(iii), a summer village has delegated its powers or duties under this Act to a local authority, the local authority may subdelegate those powers or duties to a committee composed of a member or members of that local authority, including an emergency advisory committee appointed under

section 11.1(1).

(2) Despite sections 21(1) and 23(1), a delegate of a local authority under subsection (1) that declares or terminates a local state of emergency shall do so by resolution. 2010 c5 s4;2018 c14 s10;2020 c25 s3 Disaster Relief Fund 12(1) There is hereby established a Disaster Relief Fund into which may be deposited public donations for disaster relief in areas inside or outside Alberta.

(2) The Disaster Relief Fund shall be administered in accordance with the regulations by a committee called the “Disaster Relief Committee” consisting of those persons who are appointed to the committee by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

(3) Members of the Disaster Relief Committee who are not officers or employees of the Crown, or officers or employees of an agency of the Crown, may be paid remuneration for their services and expense allowances at the rate fixed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

RSA 1980 cD-36 s10 Recovery of expenditures 13 When an expenditure with respect to a disaster is made by the Government within or for the benefit of a municipality, the local authority, other than a park superintendent or an Indian band council, shall, if so required by the Lieutenant Governor in Council, pay to the Minister the amount of the expenditure or the portion of it as may be specified in the order, at the times and on the terms as to the payment of interest and otherwise that the order may require. RSA 2000 cD-13 s13;2006 c23 s23

RSA 2000

Section 14

Chapter E-6.8 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACT 15 Fees 14 The Minister may charge fees for any services or materials that are provided and any research that is carried out in respect of matters to which this Act pertains. 1985 c22 s12 15 and 16 Repealed 2010 c5 s5. Offence 17 Any person who (

a) contravenes this Act or the regulations, (

b) fails to comply with an evacuation order, or (b.1) fails to comply with an order made (

i) under

section 19(1)(d), (e), (f), (

j) or (

k) or 24(1)(

b) w ith respect to the matters referred to in

section 19(1)(d), (e), (f), (

j) or (k), (ii) under

section 19(1.1), or (iii) under

section 24(1.01) or (1.011) with respect to the matters referred to in

section 19(1)(d), (e), (f), (

j) or (

k) or (1.1), o r (

c) interferes with or obstruct s any person in the carrying out of a power or duty under this Act or the regulations is guilty of an offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than one year or to a fine of not more than $10 000 or to both imprisonment and a fine. RSA 2000 cD-13 s17;2010 c5 s6;2018 c14 s11;2020 c7 s3;2024 c9 s4 Confidentiality 17.1(1) Terms used in this

section have the same meaning as is assigned to them in the Access to Information Act.

(2) The Access to Information Act does not apply in respect of information in a record that is in the possession of a public body where the information (

a) is used or to be used for the purpose of preparing or administering a consequence management plan for human-induced intentional threats under a regulation under this Act, or

RSA 2000

Section 18

Chapter E-6.8 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACT 16 (

b) forms part of a consequence management plan for human-induced intentional threats under a regulation under this Act. 2002 c32 s5;2018 c14 s12;AR 141/2025

Part 2 State of Emergency Declaration of state of emergency 18(1) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may, at any time when the Lieutenant Governor in Council is satisfied that an emergency exists or may exist, make an order for a declaration of a state of emergency relating to all or any part of Alberta.

(2) A declaration of a state of emergency under subsection (1) must identify the nature of the emergency and the area of Alberta in which it exists.

(3) Immediately after the making of an order for a declaration of a state of emergency, the Minister shall cause the details of the declaration to be published by any means of communication that the Minister considers is most likely to make known to the majority of the population of the area affected the contents of the declaration.

(4) Unless continued by a resolution of the Legislative Assembly, an order under subsection (1) expires at the earlier of the following: (

a) at the end of 28 days, but if the order is in respect of a pandemic, at the end of 90 days; (

b) when the order is terminated by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

(5) Repealed 2010 c5 s7.

(5.1) Unless otherwise provided for in the order for a declaration of a state of emergency, where (

a) an order for a declaration of a state of emergency is made , and (

b) there is a conflict between this Act or a regulation made under this Act and any other Act or regulation, other than the Alberta Bill of Rights or the Alberta Human Rights Act or a regulation made under either of those Acts,

RSA 2000

Section 18.1

Chapter E-6.8 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACT 17 during the time that the order is in effect, this Act and the regulations made under this Act shall prevail in Alberta or that part of Alberta in respect of which the order was made.

(6) The Regulations Act does not apply to an order made under subsection (1). RSA 2000 cD-13 s18;2007 c23 s1;2009 c26 s34;2010 c5 s7; 2011 c13 s3;2013 c21 s1;2020 c7 s4 Duty to consult 18.1(1) Subject to subsection (2), before the Minister (

a) exercises a power under

section 19(1) or (1.1), including the exercise of those powers when the Minister makes an order under

section 24(1.011), or (

b) makes an order under

section 19(7) or 24(1.015) to authorize the Managing Director or another person to exercise some or all of the powers given to the Minister under

section 19(1) or (1.1), the Minister must consult at least one of the Premier, the Executive Council or, if a Cabinet Committee has been appointed prior to the exercise of those powers or the making of those orders, the Cabinet Committee. (2) Subsection (1) does not apply if in the Minister’s opinion immediate action is required to protect the safety, health or welfare of people or to limit damage to property or the environment. (3) Subsection (1) does not apply to the Managing Director or another person authorized by an order of the Minister under

section 19(7) or 24(1.015) to exercise some or all of the powers given to the Minister under

section 19(1) or (1.1). 2025 c14 s1 Powers of Minister in emergency 19(1) On the making of the declaration and for the duration of the state of emergency, the Minister may do all acts and take all necessary proceedings including the following: (

a) put into operation an e mergency plan or program; (

b) authorize or require a local authority to put into effect an emergency plan or program for the municipality; (

c) acquire or utilize any real o r personal property considered necessary to prevent, combat or alleviate the effects of an emergency or disaster;

RSA 2000

Section 19

Chapter E-6.8 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACT 18 (

d) authorize or require or make an order to authorize or requ ire any qualified person to render aid of a type the person is qualified to provide; (

e) control or prohibit or make an order to control or prohibi t travel to or from any area of Alberta; (

f) provide for or make an order to provide for the restoratio n of essential facilities and the distribution of essential supplies and provide, maintain and co-ordinate or make an order to provide, maintain and co-ordinate emergency medical, welfare and other essential services in any part of Alberta; (

g) order the evacuation of persons and the removal of livesto ck and personal property from any area of Alberta that is or may be affected by a disaster and make arrangements for the adequate care and protection of those persons or livestock and of the personal property; (

h) authorize the entry into any building or on any land, with out warrant, by any person in the course of implementing an emergency plan or program; (

i) cause the demolition or rem oval of any trees, structures or crops if the demolition or removal is necessary or appropriate in order to reach the scene of a disaster, or to attempt to forestall its occurrence or to combat its progress; (

j) procure or fix prices or make an order to procure or fix prices for food, clothing, fuel, equipment, medical supplies, or other essential supplies and the use of any property, services, resources or equipment within any part of Alberta for the duration of the state of emergency; (

k) authorize the conscriptio n or make an order for the conscription of persons needed to meet an emergency.

(1.1) In addition to any other orders the Minister is authorized to make under this Act, the Minister may make any order necessary, in the Minister’s opinion, to lessen the impact of the emergency.

(2) As it relates to the acquisition of real property, subsection (1)(

c) does not apply to real property located within a national park or an Indian reserve.

(3) If the Minister acquires or utilizes real or personal property under subsection (1) or if any real or personal property is damaged or destroyed due to an action of the Minister in preventing,

RSA 2000

Section 19

Chapter E-6.8 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACT 19 combating or alleviating the effects of an emergency or disaster, the Minister shall cause compensation to be paid for it.

(3.1) Notwithstanding subsection (3), the Minister has no obligation to pay compensation in respect of real or personal property described in subsection (3) that is acquired, utilized, damaged or destroyed as a result of an action taken, or a decision to not take action, under the Forest and Prairie Protection Act.

(4) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations in respect of any matter mentioned in subsection (1).

(5) Subject to subsection (5.1), on the making of an order under

section 18(1) respecting an emergency in respect of which a state of local emergency has been declared, the local authority is responsible in the municipality for the co-ordination and implementation of the necessary plans or programs prepared pursuant to this Act, except to the extent provided in an order made under

section 24(1.01) or (1.011).

(5.1) If the Minister authorizes the Managing Director or another person under subsection (6), the Managing Director or the other person authorized by the Minister is responsible for the co-ordination and implementation of the necessary plans or programs prepared pursuant to this Act and all persons and agencies involved in the implementation are subject to the control and direction of the Managing Director or the other authorized person.

(6) The Minister may, by order, authorize another person to be responsible for the co-ordination and implementation of the necessary plans or programs prepared pursuant to this Act and all persons and agencies involved in the implementation are subject to the control and direction of that person.

(7) On the making of an order under

section 18(1), the Minister may, by order, authorize the Managing Director or any other person to exercise some or all of the powers given to the Minister under subsection (1) or (1.1).

(7.1) As soon as practicable after an order is made under subsection (1)(e), (f), (

g) or (j), the Minister shall make the details of the order publicly available in any manner that the Minister considers is most likely to make the details of the order known to the majority of the population of the area affected by the contents of the order.

RSA 2000

Section 19.1

Chapter E-6.8 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACT 20

(8) The Regulations Act does not apply to an order made under subsection (1)(d), (e), (f), (g), (

j) or (

k) or (1.1). RSA 2000 cD-13 s19;2007 c12 s11;2010 c5 s8;2018 c14 s13; 2020 c2 s3;2020 c7 s5;2024 c9 s4;2025 c14 s1 Compliance with evacuation order 19.1(1) If an evacuation order is made, every person within the area that is the subject of the evacuation order must leave the area (

a) immediately, or (

b) if a deadline for evacuatio n is specified in the evacuation order, by that deadline. (2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a person acting under the direction of a person exercising powers under

section 19(1) or 24(1)(

b) or (1.011), as the case may be, so long as there is a plan for safely evacuating that person in a timely manner and the means available to carry out the plan. 2018 c14 s14;2024 c9 s4 Termination of state of emergency 20(1) When, in the opinion of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, an emergency no longer exists in an area in relation to which a declaration of a state of emergency was made, the Lieutenant Governor in Council shall make an order terminating the declaration of a state of emergency in respect of that area.

(2) Immediately after an order is made under subsection (1), the Minister shall cause the details of the termination to be published by any means of communication that the Minister considers is most likely to make known to the majority of the population of the area affected the contents of the termination order.

RSA 1980 cD-36 s17 Declaration of state of local emergency 21(1) A local authority may, at any time when it is satisfied that an emergency exists or may exist in its municipality, by resolution or, in the case of the Minister responsible for the Municipal Government Act, the Minister responsible for the Special Areas Act or a park superintendent of a national park, by order, make a declaration of a state of local emergency relating to all or any part of the municipality.

(2) A declaration of a state of local emergency under subsection (1) must identify (

a) the nature of the emergency,

RSA 2000

Section 22

Chapter E-6.8 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACT 21 (

b) the area of the municipality in which the emergency exists or may exist, and (

c) which powers referred to in

section 24(1)(

b) the local authority anticipates exercising during the state of local emergency.

(2.1) An identification of powers under subsection (2)(

c) does not preclude the local authority from exercising any other power the local authority has available to it in the circumstances.

(3) Immediately after the making of a resolution for a declaration of a state of local emergency, the local authority shall cause the details of the declaration to be published by any means of communication that it considers is most likely to make known to the population of the area of the municipality affected the contents of the declaration.

(3.1) The local authority must, immediately on making a declaration of a state of local emergency, provide a copy of the declaration to the Minister.

(3.2) A declaration of a state of local emergency made by the local authority lapses at the end of 7 days, or at the end of 90 days if the declaration is in respect of a pandemic, unless it is earlier cancelled by the Minister under

section 22 or terminated by the local authority under

section 23 or unless it is renewed by the local authority.

(4) Repealed 2010 c5 s9. RSA 2000 cE-6.8 s21;2010 c5 s9;2024 c9 s4;2025 c14 s1 Cancellation of declaration of state of local emergency 22(1) Repealed 2025 c14 s1.

(2) The Minister, by order, may amend or cancel the declaration of a state of local emergency at any time the Minister considers appropriate in the circumstances.

(3) Where a declaration of a state of local emergency has been made and the Lieutenant Governor in Council makes an order for a state of emergency relating to the same area of the municipality, if there is any conflict between the direction of the Managing Director or another person authorized by the Minister under

section 19(6) and the local authority, the direction of the Managing Director or the other authorized person prevails.

(3.1) If a declaration of a state of local emergency has been made, an order under

section 18(1) for a state of emergency by the

RSA 2000

Section 23

Chapter E-6.8 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACT 22 Lieutenant Governor in Council relating to the same area of the municipality may provide that the declaration of a state of local emergency ceases to be of any force or effect.

(3.2) If an order referred to in subsection (3.1) does not provide that the declaration of a state of local emergency ceases to be of any force or effect, the Minister, by order, may amend or cancel the declaration of a state of local emergency.

(4) Repealed 2025 c14 s1.

(5) This

section and sections 21(3), (3.1) and (3.2) and 24 apply to any renewal of a state of local emergency.

(6) The Regulations Act does not apply to an order made under subsection (2) or (3.2). RSA 2000 cE-6.8 s22;2020 c2 s4;2020 c7 s6;2024 c9 s4;2025 c14 s1 Termination of declaration of state of local emergency 23(1) When, in the opinion of the local authority, an emergency no longer exists in an area of the municipality in relation to which a declaration of a state of local emergency was made, it shall by resolution or, in the case of the Minister responsible for the Municipal Government Act, the Minister responsible for the Special Areas Act or a park superintendent of a national park, by order, terminate the declaration of a state of local emergency in respect of that area.

(2) Immediately after (

a) the passage of a resolution or order terminating a declaration under subsection (1), (

b) the cancellation by the Minister of a declaration of a sta te of local emergency, or (

c) the termination by lapse of time of a declaration of a sta te of local emergency, the local authority shall cause the details of the declaration or cancellation or the fact of the termination by lapse of time to be published by any means of communication that it considers is most likely to make known to the majority of the population of the area affected the contents of the declaration or cancellation or the fact of the termination.

(3) The local authority shall notify the Minister forthwith after the termination of a declaration of a state of local emergency. RSA 2000 cE-6.8 s23;2024 c9 s4

RSA 2000

Section 23.1

Chapter E-6.8 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACT 23 Notice provisions do not apply 23.1 Where the sole purpose of a meeting of a local authority is to pass a resolution referred to in

section 21(1) or 23(1), the notice requirements in sections 194 to 196 and 199 of the Municipal Government Act do not apply. 2002 c32 s5;2020 c7 s7 Powers of local authority 24(1) On the making of a declaration of a state of local emergency and for the duration of the state of local emergency, the local authority may do all acts and take all necessary proceedings including the following: (

a) cause any emergency plan or program to be put into operation; (

b) exercise any power given to the Minister under

section 19(1) in relation to the part of the municipality affected by the declaration; (

c) authorize any persons at a ny time to exercise, in the operation of an emergency plan or program, any power given to the Minister under

section 19(1) in relation to any part of the municipality affected by a declaration of a state of local emergency.

(1.001) As soon as practicable after exercising a power under

section 19(1)(e), (f), (

g) or (j), the local authority must make the details of the exercise of the power publicly available in a manner that it considers is most likely to make the details of the exercise of the power known to the population of the area of the municipality affected by the exercise of the power.

(1.01) Despite subsection (1)(

b) and (c), the Minister may, by order, restrict, prohibit or terminate the exercise (

a) by a local authority of an y power given to the Minister under

section 19(1) in relation to the part of the municipality affected by the declaration of a state of local emergency, or (

b) by a person authorized by a local authority to exercise, in the operation of an emergency plan or program, any power given to the Minister under

section 19(1) in relation to any part of the municipality affected by a declaration of a state of local emergency.

(1.011) During a state of local emergency, the Minister, by order, may assume control of any or all of the powers of a local authority under this

section in respect of a state of local emergency, and in so

RSA 2000

Section 24

Chapter E-6.8 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACT 24 doing, the Minister may also exercise the power given to the Minister under

section 19(1.1).

(1.012) If an order is made under subsection (1.011), (

a) section 21(3.2 ) does not apply, (

b) the local authority shall no t terminate the declaration of a state of local emergency under

section 23(1), (

c) the Minister may make any subsequent order under subsection (1.011) that the Minister considers appropriate in the circumstances, (

d) the declaration of the state of local emergency lapses, (

i) if only one order is made under subsection (1.011), at the end of 28 days from the order, or at the end of 90 days from the order if the state of local emergency is in respect of a pandemic, or (ii) if more than one order is made under subsection (1.011), at the end of 28 days from the first order, or at the end of 90 days from the first order if the state of local emergency is in respect of a pandemic, unless the state of local emerg ency ceases to be of any force or effect as referred to in

section 22(3.1) or is earlier cancelled by the Minister, a n d (

e) the times referred to in clause (

d) shall not be extended.

(1.013) When, in the opinion of the Minister, an emergency no longer exists in all or any part of a municipality in relation to which an order under subsection (1.011) was made, the Minister, by order, shall terminate the declaration of a state of local emergency in respect of that municipality or part of the municipality.

(1.014) Immediately after an order is made under subsection (1.011) or (1.013), the Minister shall cause the details of the order to be published by any means of communication that the Minister considers is most likely to make known to the majority of the population of the area affected the contents of the order.

(1.015) The Minister, by order, may authorize the Managing Director or any other person to exercise some or all of the powers given to the Minister under

section 22 and this section.

RSA 2000

Section 24.1

Chapter E-6.8 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACT 25

(1.02) The Minister may, by order, rescind, cancel or modify any bylaw enacted, resolution passed, action taken, order made or direction given by a local authority during a state of local emergency.

(1.03) The Regulations Act does not apply to an order made under subsection (1.01), (1.011), (1.013) or (1.02).

(1.1) If the local authority acquires or utilizes real or personal property under subsection (1) or if any real or personal property is damaged or destroyed due to an action of the local authority in preventing, combating or alleviating the effects of an emergency or disaster, the local authority shall cause compensation to be paid for it.

(2) A local authority, except the local authority of an improvement district, special area, national park or Indian reserve, may, during or within 60 days after the state of local emergency, by bylaw that is not advertised but is approved by the Minister responsible for the Municipal Government Act, borrow any money necessary to pay expenses caused by the emergency including payment for services provided by the Government of Alberta or by the Government of Canada when the services were provided at the request of the local authority.

(3) In the case of an improvement district, the Minister responsible for the Municipal Government Act and in the case of a special area, the Minister responsible for the Special Areas Act may, during or within 60 days after the state of local emergency, borrow any money necessary to pay expenses caused by the emergency including payment for services provided by the Government of Alberta or by the Government of Canada when the services were provided at the request of the Minister responsible for the Municipal Government Act or the Minister responsible for the Special Areas Act, as the case may be.

RSA 2000 cE-6.8 s24;2010 c5 s10;2020 c7 s8; 2024 c9 s4;2025 c14 s1 Compensation payable 24.1(1) A local authority remains responsible to cause compensation to be paid under

section 24(1.1) whether real or personal property is acquired, utilized, damaged or destroyed due to an action of a local authority referred to in that

section or an action of the Minister as a result of an order made under

section 24(1.011), unless the Minister makes an order under subsection (2).

(2) The Minister, by order, may

RSA 2000

Section 25

Chapter E-6.8 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACT 26 (

a) assume responsibility from th e local authority for causing some or all compensation referred to in subsection (1) to be paid due to an action of the Minister, or (

b) reimburse the local authority for some or all compensation caused to be paid by the local authority under subsection (1) due to an action of the Minister.

(3) For greater certainty, the Minister has no obligation to cause compensation to be paid in respect of a state of local emergency or reimburse the local authority unless an order is made under subsection (2).

(4) The Regulations Act does not apply to an order made under subsection (2). 2024 c9 s4 Dispute re compensation amount 25(1) If any dispute arises concerning the amount of compensation payable under

section 19(3) or 24(1.1), the matter shall be determined by arbitration and the Arbitration Act applies.

(2) For greater certainty, arbitration is not available to contest eligibility for compensation under this Act or the regulations. RSA 2000 cD-13 s25;2018 c14 s15 Conscript’s employment 26 A person’s employment shall not be terminated by reason only that the person is conscripted pursuant to

section 19(1) or 24(1). 1992 c31 s10

Part 3 Liability Protection for Emergency Service Providers Minister 27 No action lies against the Minister or a person acting under the Minister’s direction or authorization for anything done or omitted to be done in good faith while carrying out a power or duty under this Act or the regulations, including a power or duty under

section 19(1)(d), (e), (f), (g), (

j) or (

k) or (1.1) or 19.1, and any of those powers or duties exercised as a result of an order made under

section 24(1.011). 2010 c5 s11;2018 c14 s16;2020 c7 s9;2024 c9 s4 Local authority 28 No action lies against a local authority or a person acting under the local authority’s direction or authorization for anything done or omitted to be done in good faith while carrying out a power or duty under this Act or the regulations including a power or duty

RSA 2000

Section 29

Chapter E-6.8 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACT 27 under

section 19(1)(d), (e), (f), (g), (

j) or (

k) or 19.1 or the exercise of the powers under

section 24(1)(

b) of this Act, during a state of local emergency. 2010 c5 s11;2018 c14 s17;2020 c7 s10 Search and rescue organization 29 No action in negligence lies against a search and rescue organization, the directors of that organization or a person acting under the direction or authorization of that organization for anything done or omitted to be done in good faith while acting under an agreement between that organization and the Minister. 2010 c5 s11

Printed on Recycled Paper *9780779854738*

Document details

Collection	Alberta — Consolidated Statutes
Citation	RSA 2000 cE-6.8
Type	statute
Volume / chapter	RSA 2000 cE-6.8
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	5dbc0f79c17d32f7bee2e5d909f485557f266a59

Source file is stored in the law ingest library (pdf).