School board reserve changes proposed in new bill

If passed, all kindergarten to Grade 12 school boards would require approval from the education minister in order to spend their reserve funds. The decision would be in place for two years.

Toews says the decision will allow school boards and provinces to work together to benefit students.

“This is a temporary measure until caps are put on operating reserves,” he told reporters during a press conference earlier in the day. “It will just ensure good coordination, good communication and very high level

Toews adds he doesn’t believe the decision will add additional red tape for boards.

“I don’t think it’s going to create an onerous obligation in terms of paperwork and the time requirement,” he said. “Again, I believe it can actually reduce red tape by improving coordination and eliminating surprises. I think anytime there could be great communication and overall coordination, it results in better outcomes.”

If the bill passes, it would take effect in fall 2020.

Post-secondary, tourism changes in new bill

Bill 5 also introduces several funding changes announced in last week’s budget.

Among the changes include officially switching universities and colleges to an outcome-based funding model, where post-secondary institutions receive funding based on enrolment, graduation rates and employment following graduation.

The changes were originally announced in January.

The province will also be providing the tourism levy to short-term rentals offered through online marketplaces, such as Airbnb, which was revealed in the budget.

The levy totals four per cent, and is already applied to hotel rooms and other temporary accommodations in Alberta.

by Charles Lefebvre

School board reserve changes proposed in new bill

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