What Is 28th Legislative Assembly of Alberta

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 28th Legislative Assembly of Alberta began on April 30, 2019, following the United Conservative Party's victory in the provincial election, with 63 of 87 seats. It concluded with the dissolution of the legislature on May 1, 2023, ahead of the 2023 provincial election.

Key Facts

The 28th Assembly convened on April 30, 2019, after the United Conservative Party (UCP) won 63 seats.
It consisted of 87 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), elected from single-member constituencies.
Premier Jason Kenney led the UCP government until October 2022, succeeded by Danielle Smith.
The Assembly passed 187 bills during its four-year term, including major energy and education reforms.
It ended with dissolution on May 1, 2023, preceding the May 29, 2023, general election.

Overview

The 28th Legislative Assembly of Alberta represents the provincial legislature that was in session from 2019 to 2023, following the United Conservative Party's decisive victory in the April 16, 2019, general election. This Assembly marked a shift in governance after the previous New Democratic Party (NDP) government led by Rachel Notley from 2015 to 2019.

With 63 UCP members elected, the 28th Assembly held a strong majority, enabling swift legislative action on key campaign promises related to fiscal responsibility, energy development, and public service restructuring. The legislature operated under the Westminster system, with the Lieutenant Governor formally opening each session.

63 UCP MLAs were elected in 2019, forming a solid majority in the 87-seat chamber, allowing efficient passage of government legislation.
The Assembly officially convened on April 30, 2019, when newly elected MLAs were sworn in and the Speaker was elected.
Jason Kenney served as Premier until October 11, 2022, when he resigned amid internal party pressure and declining approval ratings.
Danielle Smith became Premier on October 11, 2022, after winning the UCP leadership race, continuing the UCP’s governance into the final year.
The Assembly passed 187 bills during its term, including significant legislation like the Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act.

How It Works

Each Legislative Assembly in Alberta operates under a fixed-term model, though early dissolution is possible. The 28th Assembly functioned through regular legislative sessions, committee reviews, and public consultations.

Term: The 28th Assembly lasted from April 30, 2019, to May 1, 2023. It was dissolved ahead of the May 29, 2023, provincial election. This four-year term reflected the typical maximum under Alberta’s fixed election date law, though it could have been extended under extraordinary circumstances.
Legislative Sessions: The Assembly held six formal sessions between 2019 and 2023, with interruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic and election timing.
Bill Processing: On average, 31 bills per session were introduced, covering areas like healthcare, education, and natural resource management.
Committee System: Standing committees reviewed proposed legislation, with the most active being the Standing Committee on Finance and Policy.
Public Engagement: Citizens could participate through petitions, public hearings, and testimony before legislative committees during policy reviews.
Opposition Role: The Alberta NDP, with 24 seats, served as the Official Opposition, scrutinizing government actions and proposing alternative policies.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the 28th Legislative Assembly with previous recent assemblies in key structural and political dimensions:

Assembly	Years Active	Governing Party	Seats Held	Total Bills Passed
26th	2015–2019	Alberta NDP	54/87	172
27th	2019–2023	United Conservative	63/87	187
25th	2012–2015	Progressive Conservative	61/87	158
24th	2008–2012	Progressive Conservative	72/87	164
23rd	2004–2008	Progressive Conservative	61/83	170

This comparison shows that the 28th Assembly passed more legislation than most predecessors, reflecting an active legislative agenda. Despite political turnover mid-term, the UCP maintained control and advanced its platform consistently. The relatively high number of bills passed underscores the efficiency of a strong majority government in Alberta’s parliamentary system.

Why It Matters

Understanding the 28th Legislative Assembly is essential for analyzing Alberta’s recent political trajectory, including shifts in energy policy, healthcare restructuring, and intergovernmental relations. Its decisions continue to influence provincial law and governance.

The Assembly passed the Alberta Sovereignty Act, allowing the province to resist federal laws deemed harmful to Alberta’s interests.
It implemented school choice reforms, expanding charter schools and homeschooling funding access across the province.
Major healthcare restructuring included the dissolution of Alberta Health Services’ board and direct ministerial oversight.
The budget for 2022–2023 included a $3.5 billion surplus, the first in over a decade, driven by high oil prices.
It passed legislation to protect critical infrastructure, imposing harsher penalties for protests disrupting pipelines or railways.
The Assembly saw increased use of emergency powers during the pandemic, drawing both support and legal scrutiny.

The 28th Assembly set precedents in provincial assertiveness and policy innovation, shaping Alberta’s response to national debates on energy, autonomy, and public services. Its legacy continues to influence the province’s political landscape.