The controversial Bill 26, which includes tougher drunk driving legislation, was passed on its third and final reading after hours of debate.
MLAs in Edmonton voted 30 to 7 in favour of the bill which would see a three day suspension and possible car seizure for drivers caught with a blood alcohol reading from 0.05 to 0.08.
Harsher punishments are expected for repeat offenders who blow a blood alcohol reading of over 0.08.
The punishment increases each time a driver is caught:
- The first offense will result in a three day license suspension
- A second offense will result in a 15 day license suspension, a seven day vehicle seizure, and a mandatory education course to be paid for by the offender
- A third offense is a 30 day license suspension, a seven day vehicle seizure, and a further education course paid for by the offender
The Bill was prompted by a jump in drunk driving related incidents in recent months, where a number of people have been killed.
Opposition MPs were hoping that the bill had more consultation and debate before it passed but Premier Alison Redford says that she wanted to have the legislation in place before Christmas.
Similar laws in B.C. were struck down last week, but Alberta's Justice Minister Verlyn Olson says the laws in Alberta are different.
Alberta's Solicitor General Jonathan Denis says while the bill is passed, Albertans won't be seeing any changes in the law for at least six months.
For mor information on the impaired driving legislation visit the Alberta Transportation website.
