In this Report, ALRI recommends that Alberta adopt the Uniform International Commercial Arbitration Act (2014). ALRI’s recommendations are intended to bring Alberta’s international commercial arbitration law up-to-date with current international standards.

Why is Change Needed?

Alberta’s current International Commercial Arbitration Act is based on uniform legislation developed in 1986. The Alberta Act has fallen behind the advances that are being made internationally and in other provinces. By updating its legislation, Alberta will catch up to those jurisdictions that have already implemented the changes. Uniformity of international commercial arbitration law is important to ensure consistency for foreign users who may be unfamiliar with Canada’s federal system of government. Uniformity will also ensure that Canada can remain competitive as a host jurisdiction for these types of arbitrations.