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- Wednesday is Christmas, and we hope you have a wonderful time planned with friends and family. This season is a time to reflect on the people and moments that make a difference, and we are truly grateful for your support throughout the year. As we celebrate, we’re also in the middle of our year-end fundraiser, working to raise $50,000 by December 31st to continue the important work we do. If you value our efforts and want to see them grow, please consider making a donation today - every bit helps, and we deeply appreciate your generosity. From all of us at the Alberta Institute, Merry Christmas!
- Alberta leads Canada in housing starts per capita in 2024, with nearly 43,000 new homes built, a 35% increase compared to the previous year. This surge in construction is primarily driven by affordability, attracting people from provinces like BC and Ontario, as well as international immigrants. Despite the increase in supply, experts suggest that home prices are unlikely to drop. Instead, the influx of buyers could lead to bidding wars, pushing prices higher. Additionally, Alberta saw a record number of apartment starts in 2024, with over 9,900 new units built in the first half of the year, surpassing a 1977 record.
- The Alberta government is forming an advisory panel to guide its homelessness strategy, with a focus on rural and Indigenous communities. Co-chaired by MLA Justin Wright and Robin James of the Lethbridge Housing Authority, the panel will evaluate government actions and funding. Community and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon emphasized improving data accuracy on homelessness as a key priority. Additionally, the Province plans to change its grant process, shifting funding directly to front-line agencies instead of routing it through non-profits. The panel is expected to begin its work early next year.