AB Bill 1 — International Agreements Act
Introduced by the Premier
Bill Sponsor: Smith
Bill Type: Government Bills
Amendments: No
Money Bill: No
Documents: Bill 1
First Reading
October 23, 2025 passed 6
Second Reading
October 28, 2025 adjourned 77-85 October 29, 2025 adjourned 109-18 October 30, 2025 passed 133-35
Committee of the Whole
November 4, 2025 passed 184-87
Third Reading
November 6, 2025 passed 250-52
Royal Assent
November 26, 2025 outside of House sitting
Comes into Force
November 26, 2025 SA 2025, cI-3.8 4/24/2026 9:22 AM
WHO GAINS POWER
- The Alberta Legislature — must now approve any international agreement before it binds the province
- Alberta Government gains veto power over federal trade and cooperation deals on matters within provincial jurisdiction
- Applies to agreements signed before and after this Act came into force
WHO LOSES POWER
- The federal Government — cannot automatically bind Alberta through international agreements on provincial matters
- Foreign governments and international organizations — their deals with Canada have no force in Alberta without provincial approval
WHO GAINS MONEY
- Alberta businesses — the province can selectively approve trade terms that benefit Alberta industries
- Alberta Government — retains leverage to negotiate better terms before implementing federal deals
WHO LOSES MONEY
- Businesses relying on consistent national trade rules — uncertainty increases if Alberta opts out of or delays implementing federal agreements
- Industries dependent on international investment that requires uniform Canadian rules across provinces
THE CATCH
- Alberta can block or delay implementation of any federal international agreement touching provincial jurisdiction — including trade, labour, environment and investment deals
- No timeline is set for Alberta to approve or reject agreements — delays could be indefinite
- Repeals the old International Trade and Investment Agreements Implementation Act — previous framework is gone
SOURCE AB Bill 1 — International Agreements Act (Alberta Legislature)