Can you believe it’s the end of March already? We don't often explicitly ask for donations in these emails, but as we approach the end of the month, we need your help to reach our $20,000 fundraising goal. With the election heating up, your contribution will ensure we can keep advocating for Alberta, no matter the outcome. If you appreciate our efforts, please consider donating today. Thank you for your support!

Alberta plans to invest $100 million over three years in collegiate and dual-credit programs to enhance career education. This funding will include $21 million for school boards to upgrade learning spaces, such as science labs and workshops, and $4.6 million for new or improved dual-credit programs in the 2025-2026 school year. Dual-credit programs allow high school students to earn both high school and post-secondary credits, while collegiate programs offer specialized career pathways in partnership with post-secondary institutions.

The Province is preparing to regulate online gambling by opening the market to private companies like Bet365 through the proposed iGaming Alberta Act. This legislation aims to create a new Crown corporation to oversee the market and bring more players into a legal system while offering consumer protections. The goal is to prevent gambling revenue from going to offshore sites, like those in the "grey" market, and ensure safer gambling practices.

• The province is disputing claims that it plans to "claw back" the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) from AISH recipients, asserting that Alberta’s AISH program provides the highest disability benefit rate in Canada. Critics argue that Alberta is the only province that has implemented this policy. The provincial government maintains that AISH recipients still receive more than other provinces, with AISH's core rate being significantly higher. While the CDB will be treated as non-exempt income, the government assures that AISH recipients will continue to receive the same overall support.
• Alberta is investing $800 million over eight years in a new partnership to advance cancer care through research, equipment upgrades, and artificial intelligence. The Cancer Innovation Value Partnership aims to enhance early detection, reduce wait times, and improve treatment outcomes. Key initiatives include two centers of excellence, AI-driven treatment units, and the replacement of aging equipment. The project also includes a $168 million investment in diagnostic imaging and a research fund to attract global talent.
• Alberta's 2025 budget includes a $10 million allocation to support the Aboriginal Business Investment Fund (ABIF), which helps community-owned Indigenous businesses improve infrastructure and create jobs. Since its launch in 2014, the program has provided over $58 million in capital grants to more than 105 businesses, generating nearly 1,000 jobs. ABIF funding was doubled between 2022 and 2024, resulting in a record number of grants. Successful projects include Bear Hills Casino, which expanded its facilities, and an eco-tourism venture by the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation. The initiative aims to promote economic reconciliation and foster sustainable development within Indigenous communities.

• Alberta’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) will shift from Alberta Health Services (AHS) to the newly established Acute Care Alberta starting April 1st. The government says the transition aims to improve patient care, enhance efficiency, and support paramedics with better equipment and vehicles. The Province has committed an additional $56 million in funding for EMS and plans to invest $60 million over three years to upgrade emergency response vehicles.
• Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) is suspending storage fees for US-sourced liquor until June 7th to alleviate the impact of the US trade war. That pause will be retroactive to when the Province announced that there would be no more purchases of US product. While some importers appreciate the relief, they remain concerned about unsellable inventory and unrealistic returns to US suppliers. The industry continues to face challenges from tariffs, including the higher cost of aluminum for craft brewers.
• Speaking of alcohol, Alberta's new wine tax, set to take effect on April 1st, introduces additional costs on high-value wines priced at $15 per liter or more. The tax adds a percentage based on the price above $15, ranging from 5% to 15%, on top of the existing flat tax. Small wine producers are concerned that these changes will significantly raise prices and harm their businesses, as liquor stores may not be able to absorb the increased costs. In the beer industry, Big Rock Brewery, Alberta's largest craft brewery, says they are facing a 22% tax hike that was introduced in February. Under a new fee structure from AGLC, breweries producing more than 180,000 hectolitres annually will now be charged $1.25 per litre. Previously, breweries could produce more than twice that amount before reaching the $1.25 rate. The new fee structure disproportionately impacts larger producers like Big Rock, which faces an additional $1.4 million in annual taxes.

• Alberta will launch a "Buy Alberta" campaign, led by Agriculture Minister RJ Sigurdson, in response to the trade war launched by US President Donald Trump. The initiative aims to encourage Albertans to support local farmers, ranchers, and agri-food businesses by making it easier to identify Alberta-made products in stores. Sigurdson emphasized the importance of maintaining strong trade ties with the US, highlighting the mutual benefits of agricultural trade. Alberta’s agri-food exports were valued at $17.9 billion in 2023, with nearly half going to the US. The campaign is expected to launch in the coming weeks.
• Premier Danielle Smith says the Province is working on a deal to send its stock of children's pain medication to Ukraine. The opposition NDP criticized the plan, suggesting the medication could further harm vulnerable children in Ukraine. The Province had paid $70 million for the medication in 2022, during a nationwide shortage.
• Alberta ranchers are deeply concerned about the impact of potential US tariffs on their industry, with a 25% levy on beef exports threatening their bottom line. While President Trump has delayed some tariffs until April 2nd, uncertainty remains. Ranchers worry about declining commodity prices and rising costs, though some have seen increased demand for direct-to-consumer sales. Industry leaders are calling for expanded government support, improved processing capacity, and access to international markets to reduce reliance on US trade.

• Alberta's 2025-26 budget shows a projected $5.2 billion deficit, influenced by trade tensions, expected tariff impacts, and declining oil prices. The province's unemployment rate is forecast to peak at 7.4% in 2025, with sectors like manufacturing and agriculture facing significant tariff-related risks. A new personal tax cut starts in July too. Read our preliminary review here, and stay tuned for our in-depth analysis!
• Premier Danielle Smith says that an external reviewer will be appointed to investigate allegations of corruption involving health-care contracts, stemming from a lawsuit by the former CEO of Alberta Health Services (AHS). The lawsuit claims that high-level officials interfered to secure overpriced deals with private contractors. Smith expressed her commitment to identifying and fixing any issues with the procurement process, while Alberta's auditor general is also conducting an investigation. The controversy led to the resignation of Infrastructure Minister Peter Guthrie, and Smith has denied any wrongdoing. Although Smith rejected calls for a public inquiry, she has emphasized AHS's responsibility in negotiating contracts and expanding private surgical facilities.
• The provincial government is increasing funding for firefighter training by $500,000. This funding will support municipal, Métis, and First Nations fire departments with grants for specialized training and equipment. Additionally, $85,000 has been allocated to the Alberta Fire Chiefs Association to assist municipalities with risk assessments and fire service planning. A Provincial Fire Liaison Committee is also being established to improve collaboration and support for fire services across the province.

• The Spring Legislative session will begin this week, with afternoon sittings taking place Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The Alberta government will release Budget 2025 on February 27th. Finance Minister Nate Horner emphasized the Province's challenges, including trade disputes, fluctuating oil prices, and increased demand for services. Stay tuned for our analysis!
• Alberta will host three international sporting events and two national championships over the next two months, supported by more than $440,000 in provincial funding. The events include the International Ski Federation Snowboard Slopestyle and Halfpipe World Cups in Calgary, as well as the 2025 Nordiq Canada Ski Nationals in Canmore, which is expected to generate $4.6 million for the economy. The province's Major Sport Event grant program provides financial support for hosting costs, including venue rentals and marketing. Minister of Tourism and Sport Joseph Schow highlighted Alberta's growing reputation as a top destination for sports tourism.
• Seven Alberta hunting licences recently auctioned in Utah are providing the Province with $356,000, bringing the total for 2025 special hunting licenses to $923,000. The most expensive item at the Utah auction was the mule deer licence, selling for $70,000 USD, while the lowest bid was for a turkey licence at $4,500 USD. An additional bighorn sheep licence sold separately for a record $400,000 USD. The proceeds will support conservation projects through the Alberta Professional Outfitters Society, which distributes grants for habitat enhancement, wildlife studies, and disease management.

• Alberta is anticipating a less challenging wildfire season in 2025, thanks to favourable weather conditions, including above-normal snowpack and precipitation. Following two tough wildfire seasons in 2023 and 2024, the province has seen fewer carry-over fires, with only six remaining from 2024. While preparations include hiring more firefighters and conducting hazard reduction burns, Alberta Wildfire is also exploring new technologies like AI and drones to improve fire prediction and investigation. However, officials caution that unpredictable weather could still lead to challenges during the peak wildfire season from May to July.
• The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) has a new top executive. Rob Morgan, a former CEO of Strathcona Resources Ltd., has been appointed to the role. Morgan, an engineer with over 40 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, takes the role amidst the Alberta government's push to increase oil and gas production and expand market access. Morgan acknowledged the AER's strained relationship with Indigenous communities and plans to address these concerns while balancing industry development and public interests.
• Alberta could lose up to 33,000 jobs if the US imposes proposed tariffs of 10% on energy and 25% on all other goods, according to ATB Financial economist Siddhartha Bhattacharya. Bhattacharya warned that prolonged tariffs would harm production and slow economic growth, which is already weak due to low business investment. Bhattacharya advised caution, recommending that interprovincial trade barriers be removed and that consumers delay major purchases.

• The Alberta government is rolling out a new childcare funding formula aiming to establish $15-per-day as the standard rate for children of kindergarten age and younger. Starting April 1st, 85% of providers will receive a funding increase of at least 2% to offset rising costs. Additionally, Alberta child-care providers can now apply for grants through a new $53-million program to expand or upgrade child-care spaces. The province has already created 31,000 new spaces and is increasing its yearly contribution to child care from $250 million to $720 million.
• Premier Danielle Smith is advocating for the creation of a joint Canada-US NORAD military base in northern Canada to enhance Arctic security. She presented the proposal during a recent meeting with fellow premiers and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Smith suggests the base could mirror the Canadian NORAD Region headquarters in Winnipeg. She is also advocating for Canada to appoint a "border czar" to enhance collaboration with the US on border security. She proposed that a retired military general, such as Alberta's interim top bureaucrat Paul Wynnyk, could be ideal for the role due to their expertise in military operations and deployment.
• The Government of Alberta is incorporating antisemitism teachings into the new Grades 7 to 9 social studies curriculum. The curriculum development involved extensive consultations with education partners and Jewish organizations throughout 2023-24. Minister of Education Demetrios Nicolaides emphasized the importance of educating students about antisemitism to combat hate and build stronger communities. This move builds on previous efforts, such as making Holocaust education mandatory and including antisemitism content in the Kindergarten to Grade 6 curriculum.

• Alberta's tourism industry is seeing positive effects from a weaker Canadian dollar, with ski resorts like Banff Sunshine Village experiencing an increase in US visitors. The low exchange rate, making travel to Canada more affordable, is particularly appealing to American tourists who find activities like skiing in Banff and Lake Louise to be a great value compared to options in the US. Additionally, the tourism industry is hopeful that the trend will continue, with bookings for places like Waterton Lakes National Park showing promising signs of growth.
• The Alberta government is introducing a new guide to support workers facing addiction, aiming to reduce stigma and encourage recovery-focused practices in the workplace. With around 10% of employees in Alberta having struggled with substance use, the guide offers suggestions to help employers foster recovery-friendly environments. The guide also highlights the economic benefits for employers, estimating savings of $8,500 per employee annually through recovery-friendly policies.
• Alberta's College of Physicians and Surgeons is introducing new guidelines for doctors who need to reduce their patient load, aiming to ensure “safe care” for doctors. The previous lottery system for discharging patients has been replaced with a triage approach, prioritizing patients with urgent health needs. This change comes as Alberta faces a shortage of family physicians, with around 600,000 residents lacking a family doctor. Health experts express concerns about the impact of patient discharge on access to preventive care, particularly for healthier patients who may end up relying on emergency services. The Alberta Medical Association is hopeful that a new physician pay model will help alleviate pressure and stabilize the primary care system.

• Alberta is beginning its electronic ankle monitoring program to track high-risk repeat offenders as part of its Safe Street Action Plan. Individuals posing public safety risks may now be required to wear GPS devices as part of court-ordered community supervision. The program aims to improve safety by restricting offenders from specific areas, such as victims’ residences or workplaces. Officials emphasize this initiative complements existing probation measures and addresses flaws in the federal bail system. Alberta Correctional Services will oversee the monitoring, with SCRAM Systems contracted to provide the technology until 2029.
• Gryphon Digital Mining plans to develop a high-performance AI and computing data centre near Pincher Creek, utilizing natural gas as a power source. The 344-hectare site offers unique features such as depleted gas reservoirs, water access, carbon sequestration potential, and grid connectivity for redundancy. The company highlighted the site as a "unicorn asset" due to its energy infrastructure and sustainability potential, and aims to bring its first megawatts of power online by 2026 and expand capacity quarterly.
• Speaking of major projects, the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation is raising concerns over Kevin O’Leary’s proposed $70 billion AI data centre, Wonder Valley, planned for northern Alberta. The First Nation, whose traditional territory encompasses the project site, criticized the lack of consultation, citing constitutionally protected treaty rights under Treaty 8. Chief Sheldon Sunshine emphasized the potential environmental risks, including impacts on water sources and local ecosystems. The Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation maintains it is open to development that respects treaty rights and ecological balance. The Alberta government has pledged to consult at later stage

• BC wineries can once again sell directly to Albertans under a new Direct-to-Consumer program. The program allows approved wineries to remit taxes to Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis for direct sales, resolving a trade dispute that temporarily banned such transactions. The agreement is set to last one year before it is evaluated.
• Alberta is pledging support to help California combat the devastating wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles and surrounding areas. The Province is preparing to send water bombers, night-vision helicopters, and an incident command team as officials assess California's needs. The wildfires have claimed at least five lives, destroyed thousands of structures, and prompted widespread evacuations. Residents are facing smoke-filled air, water shortages, and continued risks as the fires continue to burn.
• Massage therapy associations in Alberta are collaborating with the provincial government to seek regulation for the profession. Unlike other provinces such as BC and Ontario, Alberta lacks standardized education, competency requirements, and oversight for massage therapists. Advocates argue that regulation would ensure consistent professional standards, protect clients, and improve public understanding of the scope of massage therapy. In October 2024, a formal application for regulation was submitted to the Health Minister, who is currently reviewing the proposal.

• 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.