Reg Rygus
This Week In Alberta
Posts of news-worthy articles and happenings around the province of Alberta.
Newsfeed
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- Alberta’s government is beginning consultations to draft new curriculums for junior high subjects, including math, social studies, physical education, and Career and Life Management (CALM). Feedback will focus on integrating career education, financial literacy, life skills, and home maintenance to prepare students for life beyond school. The drafts will align with the newly implemented elementary curriculum and are set to be introduced in the 2026-27 school year. Education partners, subject experts, and teachers will review and provide input on the content, with opportunities for schools to pilot the curriculum in the 2025-26 school year. Our friends at the Alberta Parents’ Union will have plenty more to say about this, so be sure to subscribe to their newsletter if you want to follow the discussion!
- The Alberta government is considering adding citizenship status to driver’s licences as part of an effort to enhance election security. Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally said it would help ensure voters are Canadian citizens. Premier Danielle Smith highlighted concerns over potential foreign interference, emphasizing the need to strengthen trust in elections. Although the proposal is still in the early stages, Nally’s office noted it is part of a broader plan to modernize registries.
- The Province says that its voluntary water-sharing agreements were a major success, bringing together municipalities, industries, and irrigation districts to reduce water usage during a challenging drought season. Covering the Red Deer, Bow, and Oldman river sub-basins, these agreements led municipalities like Lethbridge and Medicine Hat to surpass water reduction goals. The agreements will remain in place until the end of 2024.
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- The Alberta government is advancing legislation to open Crown land for all-season resort development, aiming to stimulate tourism. This initiative would allow resorts in areas like Kananaskis Country, positioning Alberta to attract year-round visitors with diverse recreational options, from skiing to spas. The legislation will also establish a new regulator to streamline the application process and address environmental considerations. This plan aligns Alberta’s approach with British Columbia's established resort framework, responding to concerns about tourism dollars leaving the province. Public consultation will help determine specific development sites.
- Alberta is lifting restrictions on trapping wolverines, lynx, river otters, and fishers on Crown land to gather data on their populations, a move Forestry Minister Todd Loewen says will help establish informed quotas. Previously, trapping these species, particularly wolverines, was heavily limited due to insufficient population data. The last estimate in 2003 suggested there were fewer than 1,000 breeding wolverines. Loewen says that trappers' field knowledge and logbooks are vital resources that can provide large-scale ecological insights faster than a small team of biologists alone.
- Alberta’s updated K-12 curriculum introduces a directive for students to learn about the province's role as the "most ethical producer of oil" and the importance of natural resources to Alberta’s quality of life. The curriculum framework, released online in April, is part of an ongoing process to emphasize Alberta's economic contributions through its energy sector. Similar courses are being developed in Saskatchewan.
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- Premier Danielle Smith is initiating a legal challenge against Ottawa's federal carbon tax, seeking an exemption for Alberta and labeling the tax as unconstitutional. Alberta will be arguing that the carbon tax disproportionately affects provinces that rely on natural gas for heating, especially given the recent exemption granted to heating oil users in Atlantic Canada. Justice Minister Mickey Amery echoed this, stating that creating regional exemptions is unfair to other provinces.
- The Alberta government is investing nearly $4.9 million in dual credit grants for high school students in the 2024-25 school year. This funding will support 55 new and 22 expanded dual credit programs across 58 school authorities, allowing students to earn both high school and post-secondary credits. The programs aim to prepare students for careers in fields such as skilled trades, agriculture, and healthcare. Dual credit options are available to students across public, separate, francophone, charter, First Nations, and independent schools.
- The Select Special Ethics Commissioner and Chief Electoral Officer Search Committee is recommending Gordon McClure as Alberta's next Chief Electoral Officer. McClure has held roles such as Appeals Coordinator and Chair of the Public Lands Appeal Board. He also holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Victoria. As Chief Electoral Officer, he would oversee duties under Alberta's Election Act, Election Finances and Contributions Disclosure Act, and Senatorial Selection Act. The recommendation will be presented to the Legislative Assembly for final approval in the coming days.
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- Premier Danielle Smith says that her government will introduce legislation in 2025 to restrict professional regulatory bodies in Alberta from policing members’ personal beliefs or expressions outside their professional roles. Justice Minister Mickey Amery noted that many professionals face lengthy disciplinary processes for expressing opinions unrelated to their work, often due to complaints from individuals they haven’t served. The review will assess issues such as unnecessary training, the scope of regulatory oversight, and complaints made in bad faith.
- The Alberta government is launching a five-year pilot program allowing golf carts on roads in seven rural communities. Changes to the Traffic Safety Act now permit these vehicles in Acme, Coaldale, Whispering Hills, Linden, Delburne, Lacombe County, and Half Moon Bay. Only those 14 and older will be allowed to drive them, and there must only be as many passengers as there are seats in the cart.
- Our friends at Project Confederation are hosting a virtual event tonight at 6:00 pm, to discuss Canada’s fiscal transfer framework and its effects on Alberta. Josh Andrus, Executive Director of Project Confederation, will provide an economic analysis of equalization costs and the fiscal transfer system, exploring how these financial burdens impact Alberta's economy. The event is free but attendees must register online to receive the Zoom link.
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- The Alberta government is expressing strong opposition to Bill C-282, a supply management bill from the Bloc Québécois aimed at protecting the dairy, poultry, and egg industries from future trade negotiations. Alberta's Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade, Matt Jones, emphasized that the bill could hinder Canada's ability to negotiate beneficial trade agreements and weaken its reputation as a trading partner. Meanwhile, agricultural groups from Alberta and other provinces voiced their disappointment over the bill, arguing it threatens the interests of export-driven sectors, including beef and pork. The bill has garnered cross-party support and has passed the House of Commons but is now under scrutiny in the Senate.
- The Alberta government is set to launch a new agency, Primary Care Alberta, by November as part of its broader health care system overhaul. This agency will focus on enhancing access to family doctors and nurse practitioners, developing new care models, and offering virtual after-hours services. Dr. Kim Simmonds has been appointed as the first CEO of Primary Care Alberta. The Province is also moving responsibility for long-term care and supportive living programs from the Health Ministry to Seniors and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon. This change is part of a broader overhaul of Alberta's healthcare system, which includes restructuring Alberta Health Services into four new agencies. Nixon stated that details are still being finalized but emphasized that immediate service changes are not anticipated.
- Alberta may receive billions from a proposed settlement with major tobacco companies as part of a health-care cost recovery effort. The exact amount Alberta would receive from the proposed settlement is uncertain, but court documents indicate the province is entitled to approximately 12% of the nearly $25 billion allocated to provinces and territories. This would equate to over $3 billion for Alberta. The agreement involves JTI-Macdonald Corp., Imperial Tobacco Canada Ltd., and Rothmans, Benson & Hedges, who are expected to pay billions to provinces, territories, and some smokers across Canada. The deal, which requires court approval, comes after years of negotiations.
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- The Province remains skeptical of the federal pharmacare program, which now covers diabetes medication and birth control under Bill C-64. Alberta Health Minister Adriana LaGrange expressed concern about the lack of a long-term vision and financial support for national pharmacare, emphasizing Alberta's preference for its existing drug coverage programs. She stressed the need for meaningful collaboration with the federal government to avoid duplicating services or creating unnecessary administrative burdens. The federal government aims to reach pharmacare agreements with provinces by spring 2025, but Alberta continues to advocate for predictable and sustainable health funding.
- Alberta nurses are considering a mediator-recommended settlement. The proposed deal includes pay increases ranging from 12% to 22% over four years, along with significant raises for some pay premiums. The United Nurses of Alberta had initially sought a 30% raise over two years, while the government offered 7.5% over four years. The union, representing over 30,000 nurses, had been considering a strike vote before this settlement recommendation. A ratification vote takes place on October 30th.
- Starting October 20th, homebuyers in Alberta will see an increase in fees for land transfers and mortgage registrations. The land transfer fee will rise from $2 to $5 per $5,000 of the purchase price, while the mortgage registration fee will increase from $1.50 to $5 per $5,000 of the mortgage amount. According to the Alberta Real Estate Association, the tax really shouldn't be there in the first place.
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- Negotiations between Alberta's nurses and the provincial government are stalled, raising the possibility of a strike. The United Nurses of Alberta, representing over 30,000 nurses, is asking for a 30% pay increase over two years, while the Province has offered 7.5% over four years. If mediation fails, a strike vote may occur, although essential services agreements ensure emergency care will remain available.
- Alberta's Indigenous tourism industry is projected to contribute $126 million to the province's economy in 2024. With more international visitors seeking authentic Indigenous experiences, one in three travelers now engages with this growing sector. The Alberta government has pledged $8.85 million to support Indigenous Tourism Alberta from 2021 to 2026.
- Nominations are open for the Alberta Sport Recognition Awards to honour athletes, teams, coaches, and volunteers for their contributions to the sports community. The awards recognize excellence in various categories, including Junior and Open Athlete of the Year, Team of the Year, Coach, Technical Officials, and Sport Volunteer Awards. These awards have been presented annually since 2002, celebrating remarkable achievements in sports.
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- Premier Danielle Smith plans to amend the Province's Bill of Rights to expand and assert the rights of Albertans. The changes would protect Albertans' ability to make medical decisions (including whether or not to get vaccinations), reinforce the right to legally acquire and use firearms, and ensure that property rights are respected.
- Starting next year, two new mobile units will provide lung screening services to rural and remote communities in Alberta, supported by a $1.5 million investment from the provincial government and a matching contribution from the Alberta Cancer Foundation. Early detection of lung cancer and other lung diseases is critical for successful treatment, as many cases are typically diagnosed at later, less treatable stages. The mobile units will conduct pulmonary function tests and CT scans, with results available instantly to medical professionals via integrated technology. More than 4,000 pulmonary function tests and up to 6,000 CT scans are expected to be completed annually once operational.
- Premier Danielle Smith is floating the idea of the provincial government collecting taxes on behalf of municipalities to see if there would be interest from municipalities. She brought the idea up while she was on stage at the recent Alberta Municipalities Convention, and highlighted the inefficiency of having 320 separate tax departments across municipalities. Smith suggested this idea could reduce the financial burden on local governments, allowing them to focus on more meaningful programs for residents.
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- The Alberta government is allocating up to $149 million to assist Jasper, which suffered significant losses in July's wildfire, with a third of its buildings destroyed. This funding will help cover various expenses, including staff overtime, firefighter wages, and emergency shelter costs, as well as structural protection and infrastructure repairs. Emergency Services Minister Mike Ellis emphasized the government's commitment to supporting recovery efforts in wildfire-affected communities. Jasper's Mayor Richard Ireland expressed gratitude for the support, highlighting its importance for the town's rebuilding efforts. The funding comes through Alberta's Disaster Recovery Program, which previously aided communities like Fort McMurray after major disasters.
- Speaking of Jasper, new federal legislation aims to grant the town full authority over local land planning and development, shifting control from Parks Canada. Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault stated that this change would expedite rebuilding efforts following the wildfire. Currently, Parks Canada manages land use in Jasper, but the new Bill seeks to allow the community to have more input in shaping its future.
- The Government of Alberta is providing a $900,000 grant to Elevate Aviation to support the entry of new workers into the aviation industry. This funding will be used to develop a Virtual Reality Aviation Maintenance Training System, enabling aspiring aviators to safely practice essential skills on the ground. Alberta Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade, Matt Jones, said that this investment will help address a projected shortage of 42,000 to 55,000 workers in the sector from 2025 to 2035.
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- Alberta is hiring a CEO to lead a new agency responsible for handling complaints against municipal police officers, aiming to improve transparency and accountability in law enforcement. This new body, called the Alberta Police Review Commission, will take over disciplinary duties from police chiefs and include the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT). The Commission will investigate both criminal and non-criminal misconduct and is expected to begin operations by December 2025.
- Alberta is progressing toward its goal of opening 60 mental health classrooms, with 17 now operational across the province. Nine additional CASA Mental Health Classrooms opened in various communities this fall, providing mental health support to students while they learn. Each classroom is staffed with a team of professionals, including teachers and mental health specialists, to assist students. The government has committed $70 million over three years to expand these services, which aim to fill the gap between home and hospital care for youth. By 2026, the Province expects to support 1,500 students annually through this initiative.
- Premier Danielle Smith says she opposes a federal plan that could relocate asylum seekers to smaller provinces without financial support. Smith argues that Alberta cannot handle the additional burden due to the high costs associated with increasing immigration and the strain on public services. Federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller says that the federal government is exploring fair ways to distribute asylum seekers. Smith highlighted Alberta's already significant role in supporting Ukrainian evacuees and criticized the federal government’s immigration policies as unsustainable.
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- The Province is investing $10 million to expand psychology programs at 12 post-secondary institutions, adding 761 new seats to meet rising demand for mental-health services. This funding aims to address both current and future needs by increasing educational opportunities in psychology.
- Alberta's projected surplus for 2024-25 is $2.9 billion, a significant increase from the $367 million forecasted earlier this year, largely due to higher oil prices and population growth. However, this surplus is largely tied up in non-spendable accounts, and the government will need to borrow $641 million for immediate needs.
- Albertans are dealing with a surge in wasp activity this late summer, with garden centers in southern Alberta seeing high demand for wasp control solutions. Pharmacists are reporting a spike in wasp sting treatments too. Pest control professionals note that increased wasp activity may be linked to wildfires and abundant food sources like aphids.
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- The rapid growth in rooftop solar installations in Alberta is leading to an increase in questionable sales tactics, as some companies exploit the surge in demand. The number of solar installations has increased significantly, driven by high electricity rates and federal incentives. However, some consumers are experiencing issues with aggressive sales tactics and misleading claims. Complaints include pressure to sign contracts quickly and false promises about savings. While most solar customers report positive experiences, industry experts want stricter regulations or oversight to address the growing problem of bad actors.
- After a promising start with spring rains, southern Alberta farmers are now grappling with severe crop damage due to a recent hailstorm. The storm, which struck Monday night, devastated areas east of Calgary, including Vulcan County, where many farmers lost their entire harvest. This storm followed another hailstorm just days prior, compounding the damage. Reports indicate that over 200 clients of the Agriculture Financial Services Corporation have already reported losses, with more expected as the reporting period continues.
- Alberta’s Ministers of Affordability and Utilities, Nathan Neudorf, and Technology and Innovation, Nate Glubish, are visiting California's Silicon Valley to attract investors to Alberta. The trip’s goal is to promote Alberta's investment-friendly environment, highlighting its deregulated market, rich natural resources, and favourable tax system. The Ministers plan to meet with AI and data center companies, energy firms, and utility providers to foster connections and discuss policies. Neudorf’s itinerary includes meetings with various California agencies and officials, while Glubish will focus on meetings with Hitachi and Bloom Energy before returning to Edmonton.