Danielle Smith expressed support for Prime Minister Mark Carney’s decision to remove retaliatory tariffs on CUSMA-compliant US goods, arguing that such tariffs mainly harm Canadian businesses and consumers rather than their intended targets. She emphasized that Alberta’s strategy of diplomacy and engagement with US leaders has helped keep most provincial exports tariff-free, even during heightened trade tensions. Smith rejected combative rhetoric and retaliation, insisting that steady, good-faith negotiations are the best way to resolve disputes with Washington. At the same time, she called for Ottawa to strengthen Canada’s economy by repealing federal laws she says restrict resource development, including net-zero regulations, the oil and gas cap, the tanker ban, and Bill C-69. Smith argued that removing these barriers would allow Canada’s resource sector to drive growth and better position the country in global trade. She urged the federal government to both resolve remaining tariff disputes and expand international markets to reduce dependence on the US economy. Looks like the Alberta approach to diplomacy was right all along!
Alberta’s government has reversed a controversial new expense policy after widespread backlash over transparency concerns. The policy, introduced quietly on August 1st, had eliminated the public posting of receipts for officials’ expenses over $100 and scrubbed eight years of previously available records. Opposition leaders accused the government of deliberately trying to conceal spending, and the Canadian Taxpayers Federation stressed that taxpayers have the right to see exactly how their money is used. Alberta’s privacy commissioner also warned that removing expense records undermines trust and could fuel a crisis of confidence. Premier Danielle Smith said the original intent was to protect ministers’ privacy and safety, particularly around hotel locations, but acknowledged the rollout “turned out to be something quite different.” The government has now confirmed it will restore the previous disclosure rules, with receipts once again posted online but with sensitive details like addresses redacted.
The provincial and federal governments have introduced a new Early Childhood Educator Bursary program to strengthen Alberta’s child-care workforce. Backed by a $3.3-million investment through the Canada-Alberta Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, the program will be administered by NorQuest College and aims to support up to 300 new educators over the next three years. Eligible students can receive a $10,000 bursary to help cover tuition, books, and some living expenses, with half paid upon program acceptance and the remainder provided once graduates begin working in licensed child care and achieve Level 2 certification. Officials say the initiative will make early childhood education more accessible while ensuring Alberta families continue to receive high-quality, safe child care. Federal and provincial ministers emphasized the importance of early childhood educators in building a strong, sustainable workforce, noting Alberta has already grown the sector to 31,200 educators since 2001.
Alberta plans to install solar arrays at five of its ten correctional facilities in an effort to cut energy costs and reduce environmental impact. The government estimates the project could save up to $1 million annually by offsetting about 80% of each facility’s power use, though both cost savings and the total budget - currently projected at $10 million to $50 million - remain preliminary. Two facilities near Edmonton and three around Calgary are expected to be included, making use of underutilized, non-agricultural land for large ground-mounted systems. If completed, the installations would be larger than any existing solar projects on provincial buildings. Advocates welcomed the move as a step toward renewable energy in Alberta, noting that similar initiatives in US prisons have generated significant savings. The federal government also acknowledged the plan as a first in Canada, since no correctional facilities here currently operate on solar.Whether it's worth it will probably depend on if the cost is $10 million or $50 million. It's an incredibly wide estimate - that’s the difference between a 10-year and a 50-year payback!
Alberta’s new Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP), set to replace AISH in July 2026, is drawing concern from recipients and advocates who say it will leave many people with disabilities worse off. Under the plan, all current AISH recipients will be automatically transferred unless they reapply at their own expense, with applications reviewed by a government-appointed panel whose decisions cannot be appealed. Those denied AISH and kept on ADAP would receive $200 less each month after 2027, while new earning exemptions mean people who make under $2,114 monthly will see reduced benefits compared to the current program. Critics argue the changes push people into poverty, with higher risks of food insecurity and housing issues, while creating unrealistic work expectations for those with severe disabilities. Disability advocates say the changes come on top of rent increases and clawbacks of the federal disability benefit, leaving many to feel targeted and devalued. Minister Jason Nixon maintains the program is designed to help people keep more earnings and receive better employment support.
Pierre Poilievre has secured a decisive win in the Battle River–Crowfoot byelection, earning over 80% of the vote and paving the way for his return to the House of Commons. The Alberta riding, considered one of the safest Conservative seats in the country, was vacated earlier this year by Damien Kurek to allow Poilievre to run after losing his long-held Ottawa seat in April. The contest drew national attention not only because of Poilievre’s candidacy but also due to a record-breaking 214 candidates, most linked to a group advocating electoral reform. Independent candidate Bonnie Critchley finished second with nearly 10% of the vote, surpassing both the Liberals and NDP combined. Poilievre's return, however, ensures he will once again take up his role as Opposition leader in the Commons this fall.
