This Week In Alberta

Posts of news-worthy articles and happenings around the province of Alberta.

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THIS WEEK IN ALBERTA

The Alberta Teachers’ Association has filed a labour relations complaint and 61 grievances, accusing the Province’s bargaining agent of negotiating in bad faith over its promise to hire 3,000 new teachers. The union says the government failed to clearly disclose its true position during bargaining, particularly whether those teachers would be additional to positions already funded in the 2025 budget. According to the ATA, the government later suggested the hires were not truly “net new,” which the union argues undermines what was agreed to at the bargaining table. ATA President Jason Schilling said the union is seeking clarity and accountability for commitments made to end the teachers’ strike. The government says Bill 2 was intended to get students back in class and that it will respond to the complaint through the legal process. The dispute now centres on whether the promised teachers must be funded and hired on top of existing budgeted staffing plans.
Canada and Alberta have agreed to a one-year extension of their child-care agreements, keeping average fees at about $15 per day until March 2027. Ottawa will transfer more than $1.17 billion to Alberta in 2026-27 to maintain affordability grants and support licensed operators while longer-term negotiations continue. While parents and providers welcomed the short-term relief, many warned the brief extension creates ongoing uncertainty about future fees, space creation, and workforce participation. Parents say the lack of clarity has heightened stress, especially given rising wait lists and the risk of fees increasing sharply without federal support. Child-care operators echoed those concerns, calling the extension a temporary fix that does not address structural issues, including caps on for-profit spaces and late-stage licensing decisions. Both governments say the extension buys time to negotiate a more durable framework, but families and providers are urging a multi-year deal to restore stability.
A Legislative Committee has approved an extra $6.7 million for Elections Alberta to manage a surge in recall petitions targeting MLAs, most of them directed at the governing United Conservative Party. The funding follows advice from the Chief Electoral Officer that verifying the 21 petitions issued since late October, along with staffing and mailing costs, far exceeded the agency’s existing budget. Committee members unanimously supported the increase. In a separate decision, the Committee granted Elections Alberta an additional $3 million to prepare for a likely provincial referendum next year. While the funding requests were largely approved, the Committee did not fully meet Elections Alberta’s proposed budget for the next fiscal year.
The Alberta government amended Bill 14 after the Province’s Chief Electoral Officer warned it could undermine democratic independence and create the perception of partisan influence. Gordon McClure said the bill risked eroding the separation of powers by allowing the Justice Minister to direct the Chief Electoral Officer’s actions. In response, Justice Minister Mickey Amery introduced amendments removing provisions that would have required ministerial approval to block similar referendum questions and eliminating a clause allowing the Minister to refer petition questions to court. The government says the changes restore balance and prevent delays to citizen-led democracy. Opposition leaders argue the amendments fail to address the core concerns and instead weaken oversight by limiting the ability to challenge problematic referendum questions.
Alberta’s Auditor General, Doug Wylie, has called on the UCP government to improve public performance reporting across the province’s health care system. His report found that Alberta Health Services’ reporting during its final years was inconsistent, low-quality, and often did not follow established guidelines, making it difficult to assess the impact of health system changes. Wylie highlighted delays in producing business plans, unclear performance measures, and a lack of authoritative policies to guide staff. He emphasized that transparent reporting is essential for Albertans to understand whether recent restructuring, including the division of the health portfolio into four departments, is achieving its goals. The report recommends creating a clear provincial reporting framework, updating outdated accountability documents, and ensuring all publicly funded health organizations follow consistent policies and procedures. Alberta Health Services and the Primary and Preventive Health Services Ministry have said they accept the recommendations and are working to address the concerns.

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THIS WEEK IN ALBERTA

The UCP government has unveiled a plan to oppose Ottawa’s assault-style firearm ban and voluntary buyback program, arguing the federal initiative exceeds Ottawa’s authority and infringes on Albertans’ property rights. A motion introduced under the Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act states that firearm ownership is a provincial matter and cites the Alberta Bill of Rights, which protects the right to acquire, keep, and use property. The Province says it will use all legal means to prevent provincial entities, including police services, from enforcing or assisting with the federal program. The proposal directs the Attorney General to review prosecution guidelines related to firearm possession and self-defence and instructs the Minister of Public Safety to block participation from police or contracted RCMP. Federal rules ban over 2,500 models of firearms, with a voluntary buyback and an amnesty period until October 2026 before possession becomes an offence.
Nearly one-quarter of Alberta’s MLAs are now facing citizen-led recall petitions, with four new petitions approved, including one targeting Calgary-Beddington NDP MLA Amanda Chapman. Most petitions target members of Premier Danielle Smith’s United Conservative caucus, though Chapman’s petition makes the effort somewhat bipartisan. Petitioners cite reasons such as inadequate engagement with constituents and support for the use of the Charter’s notwithstanding clause during the teachers’ strike. The Chief Electoral Officer, Gordon McClure, described the level of activity as unprecedented, noting 21 petitions in the 87-seat legislature and estimating it will cost nearly $7 million to process. Smith and her caucus argue the recall process is being misused for policy disagreements rather than serious misconduct, while NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi criticized the government for resisting constituent feedback. Under Alberta’s Recall Act, petitioners have three months to collect signatures equaling 60% of votes cast in the last election, with successful petitions triggering a vote and, if lost, a byelection.
Alberta’s United Conservative government introduced Bill 14, the Justice Statutes Amendment Act, 2025, which amends seven pieces of legislation and imposes new restrictions on political party names to prevent voter confusion. The bill bans the use of words associated with existing parties, such as “conservative,” “liberal,” and “green,” effectively blocking attempts to revive the Progressive Conservative Party. Justice Minister Mickey Amery said the changes are meant to ensure clarity on ballots and denied they were aimed at separatists or former party members. Bill 14 also amends the Citizen Initiative Act, giving the Justice Minister sole authority to refer future referendum proposals to the courts. The bill takes effect retroactively from July 4th.
An Alberta judge had ruled that a proposed referendum question on the province’s independence would violate the Constitution Act, including Charter and Treaty rights. The question, submitted by the Alberta Prosperity Project, asked whether Alberta should become a sovereign country and cease to be part of Canada. The decision came shortly after the provincial government introduced Bill 14. Justice Colin Feasby criticized the government’s move, saying it disrespects the administration of justice and undermines democracy by attempting to “silence the court.”
Elections Alberta has verified the “Forever Canadian” petition, which urges the Province to formally support remaining in Canada, after confirming more than 404,000 valid signatures through statistical sampling. Launched as a response to separatist efforts, the initiative asks the legislature to affirm Alberta’s place within Canada rather than send the issue to a referendum. Organizer Thomas Lukaszuk said a vote on independence would be costly, polarizing, and harmful to investor confidence, and argued the strong signature count should guide the government’s next steps. The proposal has now been submitted to the Speaker and must be referred to a Legislative Committee within 10 sitting days. That committee can recommend either adopting the policy directly or sending it to a referendum aligned with the 2027 provincial election.

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A new memorandum of understanding between Ottawa and Alberta lays out a plan to pursue a privately funded bitumen pipeline through northern British Columbia while addressing most of the federal environmental laws Alberta has long opposed. The agreement commits both governments to collaboration on a million-barrels-per-day pipeline aimed at Asian markets, paired with major projects including the Pathways carbon capture system and a mandated 75% reduction in provincial methane emissions. Ottawa has agreed to suspend clean electricity rules, drop the oil and gas emissions cap, and consider adjustments to the West Coast tanker ban as part of the deal. Alberta must submit its pipeline application to the federal major projects office by July 1st, with both sides framing the project as a national economic opportunity that could create tens of thousands of jobs. British Columbia’s government and coastal First Nations remain firmly against any new pipeline, citing spill risks and the lack of a private-sector proponent.
Alberta is now projecting a $6.4-billion second-quarter deficit as falling oil prices, higher expenses, and new US tariffs weigh heavily on the Province’s finances. Finance Minister Nate Horner said global trade tensions and a weaker energy market have sharply reduced non-renewable resource revenue, which is down 30% from last year. While a new energy agreement with Ottawa is expected to boost long-term investment certainty, it won’t provide immediate fiscal relief. Revenues are down across several categories, particularly personal income taxes, though corporate taxes remain stronger than expected. Expenses have edged higher due to labour settlements, emergency funding, and health-care initiatives, including money for continuing care and psychiatric beds. Despite these pressures, Alberta’s GDP growth is still expected to lead the country at 2.1%, supported by strong oil production and increased building activity. Population growth also remains the fastest in Canada, though unemployment among young Albertans is rising. The Heritage Savings Trust Fund continues to grow, too, reaching a projected $31.5 billion after earning $770 million in the second quarter.
The Alberta government is moving to crack down on contraband tobacco with Bill 12, which would impose harsher penalties on anyone buying, selling, or possessing illegal tobacco products. Proposed fines would be triple the tax owed on legal tobacco, covering cigarettes, fine-cut tobacco, and cigars over 1,000 grams. The announcement follows a major seizure near Lloydminster, where RCMP intercepted 8.8 million unstamped cigarettes valued at $7.65 million. A study by the Convenience Industry Council of Canada found that illegal tobacco cost Alberta around $262 million in tax revenue from 2021 to 2023, with contraband now accounting for nearly 30% of the market. The legislation also mandates mandatory reporting of seizures, aiming to protect public health, support legal retailers, and recover lost revenue that funds provincial services.
Since recreational cannabis was legalized in 2018, Alberta has collected the most tax revenue per capita of any province, generating about $210 per person and over $1 billion in total. While Ontario collected the largest provincial total at $1.5 billion, Alberta’s smaller population means its per-person revenue surpasses every other province, well ahead of the Northwest Territories ($135.80) and Yukon ($126.35). Alberta’s high revenue is attributed to its early rollout of licensed retail stores and a 16.8% additional tax on cannabis excise duties, the highest of any province. Critics say the surcharge, applied at the producer level, has limited market growth and may encourage some Albertans to continue buying from illegal sources.

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THIS WEEK IN ALBERTA

A court hearing is underway in Edmonton to determine whether a proposed referendum on Alberta separating from Canada is constitutional. The referendum question, submitted by Mitch Sylvestre of the Alberta Prosperity Project, asks voters whether “Alberta shall become a sovereign country and cease to be a province in Canada.” Arguments involve lawyers for Sylvestre, the Province’s Chief Electoral Officer, five First Nations intervenors, and two amicus curiae lawyers tasked with objectively examining constitutionality. The amicus lawyers argue the referendum would conflict with multiple constitutional provisions and remove protections for residents if Alberta became independent. Sylvestre’s lawyer contends Albertans should have the right to debate separation under the Citizen Initiative Act. First Nations groups argue the referendum would violate Aboriginal and Treaty rights. Court of King’s Bench Justice Colin Feasby is expected to issue a ruling at a later date.
Alberta’s government released the report from its “Aggression and Complexity in Schools Action Team,” a 25-member group formed to address rising behavioural and learning challenges in classrooms. The report identifies factors such as academic struggles, behavioural issues, socioeconomic pressures, language barriers, and mental-health concerns as contributors to classroom complexity. It recommends developing class-size criteria, improving cross-ministry coordination to help families navigate supports, and restoring expanded early-childhood funding that had previously been cut. The government says detailed class-size and composition data - being collected throughout November and released in January - will guide future decisions. Premier Danielle Smith and Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides also committed to hiring 1,500 additional education assistants and 3,000 more teachers over the next three years. Cross-ministry collaboration, involving mental health, children’s services and social services, will shape the next phase of planning. Some immediate steps are still undefined, as Nicolaides said the report must first go to a cabinet committee before resources are allocated.
The Alberta government has invoked the notwithstanding clause to shield three laws affecting transgender youth and adults from ongoing and future court challenges. Premier Danielle Smith argues the move is necessary to protect children, particularly provisions that restrict puberty blockers and hormone therapy for those under 16 and ban gender-affirming surgeries for minors. The laws also require parents to be notified if a child under 16 changes their name or pronouns at school, and restrict female sports divisions to individuals born female. Supporters of legal challenges argue the government is avoiding judicial scrutiny and spreading misinformation. Smith counters that long court delays would put children at risk and says the government is reflecting the will of most Albertans. Despite the clause, advocacy groups plan to continue their legal fight.
A new report from Alberta’s Auditor General concludes the Province wasted about $125 million on failed efforts to privatize community lab services through Dynalife. The investigation found major breakdowns in procurement, financial analysis, and governance, with the health ministry inserting itself into decisions that should have been made by Alberta Health Services. When Dynalife took over in late 2022, patients - especially in Calgary - faced long waits, reduced access, delayed test results, and a spike in diagnostic errors. The deal collapsed within months as Dynalife warned it was nearing bankruptcy, forcing the government to buy out its assets and return lab work to the public system. Wylie’s report also criticizes poor record-keeping, restricted access to information, and destroyed documents that hampered the investigation. Opposition MLAs say the findings show the dangers of health-care privatization, while the government insists it acted quickly once service problems became clear. The Auditor General is conducting additional probes into other recent procurement issues, even as the government has chosen not to renew his contract.
Speaking of the healthcare system, Premier Danielle Smith has confirmed plans to let doctors work in both the public and private systems under a new “Dual Practice Surgery Model,” which she says will reduce wait times by allowing surgeons to perform required public surgeries while taking on additional private procedures in their off-hours. The government argues the change could help retain physicians and address the backlog of more than 80,000 people waiting for elective surgeries. Medical organizations, however, warn the move could deepen inequality, lengthen public wait times, and force patients to pay twice for care. Alberta’s medical students say a two-tier system would disadvantage those unable to afford private treatment, while some physicians question whether burned-out staff have capacity for extra work at all. Critics also warn the plan may violate the Canada Health Act, risking federal penalties or legal challenges. Supporters say the model aligns Alberta with countries like Sweden and Australia.

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Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled a second group of major projects being considered for fast-track federal approval, and Alberta’s premier signalled support despite her own priorities not making the list. The new slate includes mines, a hydro project, a transmission line, and an LNG proposal, but does not include the bitumen pipeline Alberta continues to push. Premier Danielle Smith said negotiations with Ottawa over the pipeline and the removal or overhaul of federal laws she believes hinder investment are still underway. She indicated the talks are reaching a critical point, while the Prime Minister said more time is needed to finalize details. He stressed that Alberta must commit to investments that prepare its energy sector for a lower-carbon future. British Columbia’s Premier criticized Alberta’s pipeline idea, saying no real project exists and warning of massive taxpayer costs.
Alberta is moving to formalize early-years math and reading assessments by writing them directly into the Education Act through Bill 6. The proposal would require school boards and early childhood service operators to screen all kindergarten to Grade 3 students and report results to both parents and the province. The Education Minister says legislating the assessments will ensure consistency, help identify learning needs earlier, and keep future governments focused on literacy and numeracy. Critics, including the NDP and the teachers’ union, argue the change is unnecessary, time-consuming for already stretched classrooms, and not matched with adequate funding. The Province has allocated $11 million to support implementation, though opponents say it falls far short of what schools need. If passed, the requirements would take effect in fall 2026 and apply across all publicly funded and accredited independent schools. Regulations determining how often screenings occur and possible exemptions will be developed later.
More than 1,200 local officials gathered in Calgary for the 2025 Alberta Municipalities Convention, where one key debate focused on who should collect the provincial education property tax. A resolution from Rocky Mountain House called for the province to take over tax collection, arguing that rising education requisitions confuse residents and unfairly place blame on municipalities. Supporters said local governments shoulder the administrative burden and the public frustration despite the Province driving the increases. Calgary’s Mayor backed the push for reform, saying residents deserve transparency about where their money is going. The Province noted that municipalities have long collected these taxes but confirmed it is exploring whether a new provincial tax agency could assume the role. This is the fourth time since 2011 that municipalities have debated similar reforms.
Alberta has already allocated all 1,200 megawatts of its temporary large-load power capacity to two major data centre projects near Edmonton, leaving 37 other proposals without access to the provincial grid. The remaining projects must now either build their own on-site power generation or wait years for new grid infrastructure, as experts warn that transmission upgrades alone can take a decade. This bottleneck poses a challenge to the province’s goal of attracting $100 billion in AI data-centre investment, with electricity demand from proposed facilities far exceeding available supply. Premier Danielle Smith has directed the Utilities Minister to fast-track projects that bring their own power, reflecting the government’s push to ease pressure on the grid. AESO data shows developers have requested nearly 20 gigawatts of load but proposed less than five gigawatts of new generation, prompting the cap and the launch of a second phase of the integration program. Phase 2 will focus on long-term solutions and clearer pathways for “bring your own generation” models, with industry consultations beginning later this month. The Province says it supports AESO’s cautious approach, emphasizing reliability and affordability for Albertans while still pursuing leadership in North America’s data-centre sector.
The Alberta NDP has started a full-scale relaunch of party leader Naheed Nenshi nearly a year and a half into his leadership, releasing a polished new ad focused on his personal story and Albertans’ struggles with affordability, health care and education. The reintroduction comes with heavyweight outside help: the party hired the US-based Fight Agency, known for high-profile progressive wins in places like New York and Pennsylvania, to craft the ad. Party officials say the agency specializes in speaking to working-class voters in right-leaning regions, a weakness critics identified in the NDP’s 2023 campaign. At the same time, Nenshi has stacked his senior team with former federal Liberal strategists rather than traditional New Democrats, drawing from the orbit of Mark Carney and Justin Trudeau. The ad avoids specifics on policy and downplays Nenshi’s academic pedigree, aiming instead to present him as a champion of “ordinary Albertans.”

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The Alberta Teachers’ Association has launched a constitutional challenge to the Province’s Back to School Act, which used the notwithstanding clause to end last month’s teachers’ strike and impose a rejected contract. ATA president Jason Schilling said the government’s move was an “abuse of power” and a violation of teachers’ Charter rights to free expression and association. The union’s filing in Alberta’s Court of King’s Bench seeks an injunction to pause the law’s effects while the challenge is heard. Justice Minister Mickey Amery defended the government’s use of the clause, saying it ensured students returned to class after three weeks of disruption. Legal experts say the ATA faces an uphill battle, as courts have traditionally deferred to provincial authority when the clause is invoked.
Speaking of education, Premier Danielle Smith and Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides have launched an 11-member task force to address classroom size and complexity, co-chaired by the two leaders. The committee includes Cabinet Ministers, school superintendents, and one Alberta Teachers’ Association representative, but no frontline teachers. Instead, a separate teacher advisory council will be established to provide direct feedback to the Minister over the next two years. Nicolaides said the goal is to act quickly on class size tracking, inclusive education, and modular classroom planning. ATA president Jason Schilling said the move shows teachers were heard.
Alberta and the federal government are in high-level talks to sign a memorandum of understanding that could mark a turning point in their strained relationship. Officials on both sides confirmed negotiations are underway, with a goal of finalizing the deal before the Grey Cup on November 16th. The accord would address long-standing disputes over federal climate and energy policies, including emissions caps and clean electricity rules that Alberta has fiercely opposed. Premier Danielle Smith said she will withhold judgment until the talks conclude, adding that she wants to see Ottawa “remove, carve out or overhaul” policies she blames for economic harm. The discussions come as both governments promote investment and energy growth, leading some to hope for a “grand bargain.”
Premier Danielle Smith is considering changes to Alberta’s Recall Act amid growing political backlash and a surge of recall petitions targeting United Conservative Party MLAs. Speaking at the legislature, Smith said her government is reviewing the rules after reports of improper fundraising linked to recall efforts. At least two petitions have been approved, with 22 MLAs listed online as potential targets, many tied to anger over the government’s use of the notwithstanding clause to end the teachers’ strike. Agriculture Minister RJ Sigurdson said his staff and family have faced threats and harassment, calling out “deeply concerning” behaviour. Opposition Leader Naheed Nenshi accused Smith of trying to shield herself from public accountability, saying recall is part of democracy.
The Provincial government is considering raising the speed limit on divided highways from 110 km/h to 120 km/h and has launched a public survey to gauge support. Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen said the proposal focuses on four-lane highways such as Highway 2 between Edmonton and Calgary, which he said were engineered for higher speeds. The online survey, open until December 12th, also asks whether commercial trucks should be restricted from using the far left lanes on multi-lane routes. Dreeshen said a pilot project will follow to measure safety and traffic impacts, noting that many Albertans already drive near the proposed limit. The move follows earlier interest from the UCP caucus, including a 2021 private member’s bill that failed to advance.

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The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) is weighing a legal challenge to the provincial government’s Back to School Act, which invoked the notwithstanding clause to end the teachers’ strike and prevent future court challenges. ATA president Jason Schilling said the Association will oppose what it views as an abuse of power “with every tool the law provides.” Although the clause shields the legislation from being overturned, courts could still issue declarations on whether it violates Charter rights. Ongoing cases in Saskatchewan and Quebec, both under appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada, may determine how far courts can review such laws. The Canadian Bar Association’s Alberta branch and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association expressed concern that bypassing judicial review weakens democratic accountability. Teachers have returned to classrooms, but the ATA is still assessing its next legal steps.
The UCP will once again collect and publicly report class size and composition data for all provincial schools, six years after the practice was ended. Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides said the move follows recent labour unrest and aims to address concerns over classroom overcrowding and complexity. School boards must submit detailed reports by November 24th, with public data expected in January and annual releases to follow. The new census will track not only class sizes but also student needs, including those with disabilities, gifted learners, refugee and Indigenous students, and incidents of aggression or violence. Nicolaides said the data will guide policy and funding decisions, and the Province will establish a Class Size and Complexity Task Force to develop recommendations.
Alberta, Ontario, and Saskatchewan are moving forward with a feasibility study for a potential east-west pipeline and energy corridor that would transport oil and gas to a proposed port on James Bay. The project was first discussed at a summer meeting of premiers and is now being advanced by Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who called it a nation-building initiative to enhance energy independence and open new export markets. Premier Danielle Smith and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe both praised the collaboration as a boost to Canada’s energy security. The study, which is expected to conclude next year, does not yet have a cost estimate.
The Alberta government has introduced Bill 3, the Private Vocational Training Amendment Act, which will tighten oversight of private career colleges and improve transparency for students. Advanced Education Minister Myles McDougall said the legislation attempts to curb misleading claims about student loans and job prospects, citing reports of institutions telling students that loans were free or that attendance wasn’t required. The bill would require colleges to disclose graduate employment rates, strengthen curriculum standards, and allow regulators to suspend licences or issue stop orders for violations. It also targets third-party recruiters who mislead students and establishes a compensation fund for those affected by cancelled programs. The Province says these measures will protect students while maintaining confidence in Alberta’s growing private training sector. Industry representatives have endorsed the move, saying it will help rebuild trust by holding low-quality institutions accountable without penalizing reputable career colleges.
Bill 4, the Public Safety and Emergency Services Statutes Amendment Act 2025, has also been introduced this week. The legislation advances plans to establish the Alberta Sheriffs Police Service (ASPS) as an independent policing agency. It would create a labour relations model for ASPS officers under the Police Officers Collective Bargaining Act, allowing collective bargaining through police associations rather than unions. It would also permit permanent residents to serve as officers and align ASPS members with first responder protections under the Workers’ Compensation Act. Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis said the bill lays the groundwork for a major transition but acknowledged that costs and timelines are still being determined. The act also updates Clare’s Law, granting the Integrated Threat and Risk Assessment Centre (ITRAC) greater access to police databases to expedite domestic violence disclosures. Additional provisions allow cross-provincial inmate transfers, ensuring flexibility during emergencies like wildfires.
Alberta’s NDP Opposition is calling for higher wages and stronger worker protections through Bill 201, the Employment Standards (Protecting Workers’ Pay) Amendment Act. The proposal would raise Alberta’s minimum wage from $15 to $18 per hour over three years and then index it to inflation. It would also eliminate the youth minimum wage differential and safeguard worker tips from employer deductions. NDP MLA Kathleen Ganley said the changes are needed to address Alberta’s affordability crisis and ensure equal pay for equal work. Alberta’s minimum wage, unchanged since 2018, is currently the lowest in Canada and the province is one of only two that still allows employers to pay youth less. Government House Leader Joseph Schow countered that rapid increases would hurt small businesses and employment.

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The Legislature is back in session, and the Throne Speech was delivered, outlining the provincial government’s agenda for the upcoming legislative session. Government House Leader Joseph Schow said 15 bills are planned, including measures to reduce red tape, prohibit regulators from requiring Canadian work experience, and prevent “undue discipline” in professional associations. Other legislation will adjust local election rules by tightening nomination requirements and will begin creating the Alberta Sheriffs Police Service. Schow said returning students to classrooms remains a key goal amid the ongoing teachers’ strike. Schow also reiterated the government’s readiness to use the notwithstanding clause to defend its existing laws on gender and education policy.
Speaking of the teacher’s strike, Premier Danielle Smith says that back-to-work legislation will be introduced today. The strike, now in its fourth week, involves 51,000 teachers and affects 750,000 students across public, separate, and francophone schools. The government has offered a 12% wage increase over four years and a plan to hire 3,000 additional teachers, but educators argue this does not sufficiently address class sizes and special needs support. The proposed Back to School Act would be fast-tracked through the legislature using modified debate rules to allow quick passage. Alberta Teachers’ Association President Jason Schilling criticized the legislation as disrespectful and limiting democratic debate. Opposition NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi condemned the move, calling it an attack on education and democracy. The government maintains it remains open to negotiations if teachers initiate formal talks before the bill passes.
Alberta’s government introduced Bill 1, the International Agreements Act, as its first piece of legislation for the fall session, asserting that international agreements will only apply in the province if passed under provincial law. Bill 1 would repeal the 1995 International Trade and Investment Agreements Implementation Act and require all international treaties affecting provincial jurisdiction to be debated and approved by the Legislature before taking effect. Premier Danielle Smith framed the bill as a defence of Alberta’s sovereignty, inspired by Quebec’s model, and emphasized that federal negotiators must include Alberta in agreements affecting areas like oil, gas, health, and education. Critics, including NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi, called the bill performative, unconstitutional, and a diversion from pressing provincial issues such as the ongoing teachers’ strike and challenges in health care. Notably, he didn't say any of this about Quebec's law.
Changes in provincial voting legislation are expected shortly, designed to take aim at "long ballot" protests following a federal byelection that saw a record 214 candidates listed. The proposed bill would increase the number of nomination signatures required, prohibit individuals from signing multiple papers, and make it illegal to induce others to do so. Government House Leader Joseph Schow said the changes are meant to ensure only serious candidates appear on ballots. Critics say the proposal could discourage participation and undermine democratic confidence. Mount Royal University political scientist Lori Williams said Alberta hasn’t yet faced such protests but cautioned that overly restrictive rules could exclude legitimate candidates. She noted that fair safeguards, such as limiting how many papers a person can sign, could prevent abuse without narrowing access to the democratic process. The government is expected to table the legislation during the current session.
Also in the works are plans to allow residents to privately purchase diagnostic tests and screenings, a move the Alberta government says will reduce wait times and attract private investment into the province’s health system. Under the proposal, Albertans could pay out of pocket for elective services such as imaging and preventative screenings, while physician-recommended tests would remain publicly funded. If a privately paid test identifies a serious medical condition, the cost would be reimbursed. Health Minister Adriana LaGrange described the change as expanding choice and strengthening preventative care, while critics argue it risks creating a two-tier system. NDP health critic Sarah Hoffman said privatization could divert resources from the public system and worsen wait times. The Province maintains that the reforms are intended to increase capacity, not replace public services, and there are plans to consult with medical and industry stakeholders before introducing the legislative changes.
The Alberta government will end its hybrid work model for public service employees, requiring more than 12,000 workers to return to full-time, in-office work starting in February. Since March 2022, Alberta Public Service employees have been allowed to work from home up to two days per week under a temporary hybrid policy introduced during the pandemic. The Province said the policy is being discontinued due to changing conditions and broader workplace trends. Approximately 44% of Alberta’s government workforce was participating in the hybrid arrangement as of August. The government noted that it is following a similar move by Ontario, which will require its employees to return to the office full-time in early 2026. Officials added that while remote work will end, employees can still access other flexible arrangements, such as modified hours or work averaging policies.

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Premier Danielle Smith praised Prime Minister Mark Carney for speaking in a way that resonates with US President Donald Trump, describing it as speaking Trump’s “love language.” Smith said Trump responds better to what Canada can offer the US, such as energy, critical minerals, and natural gas, rather than complaints or requests for concessions. Although Carney left his most recent Washington trip without a deal to lift US tariffs on Canadian goods, Smith highlighted that his approach contrasts with previous federal efforts and reflects her focus on Alberta’s energy interests. Remember when she got attacked for suggesting this kind of approach before the election? It’s almost like Alberta knew best all along!
Smith also urged Quebec to develop its own natural gas industry, framing it as a way for the province to become “strong and sovereign” within Canada while generating new government revenue. Speaking to the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal, Smith offered Alberta’s support in creating regulatory frameworks and royalty systems for Quebec’s energy sector. She highlighted Quebec’s reliance on US natural gas imports and suggested that developing local resources could reduce dependence and equalization payments. Smith also promoted broader economic collaboration, envisioning Alberta supplying energy to Quebec and Ontario manufacturers, helping rebuild Canada’s domestic industrial capacity. She criticized Canada’s heavy reliance on US exports and emphasized the need to strengthen provincial autonomy, citing Alberta’s support for Quebec’s use of the notwithstanding clause for Bill 21. Former Quebec Premier Jean Charest noted Quebec’s lack of a hydrocarbon extraction culture, but acknowledged that geopolitical changes might reopen discussions about pipelines. Smith stressed that provincial partnerships and respect for jurisdiction could improve Canada’s governance and economic resilience.
Energy Minister Brian Jean has been directed to boost Alberta’s oil production and pursue new pipeline projects, including a major bitumen line to British Columbia’s northwest coast. Jean’s mandate also includes advancing potential routes to the United States, Ontario, Hudson Bay, and the Arctic, with goals to increase production to 6 million barrels per day by 2030 and 8 million by 2035. Jean called the targets “very realistic,” saying Alberta won’t be deterred by political or regulatory opposition. Environmental advocates, including the Alberta Wilderness Association, warned the plan conflicts with Canada’s emissions reduction commitments under the Paris Agreement. While Jean said there is significant public and Indigenous support for a new West Coast pipeline, critics argue enthusiasm outside Alberta is limited. He blamed federal legislation like Bills C-69 and C-48 for stalling pipeline development, calling for their repeal. Despite environmental and interprovincial challenges, Jean said the plan reflects Albertans’ economic priorities and commitment to energy independence.
Premier Danielle Smith has directed Alberta’s four Health Ministers to work together to complete the Province’s health care restructuring, improve emergency response, and reduce emergency room wait times. Assisted Living Minister Jason Nixon and Hospital Services Minister Matt Jones will collaborate to transition non-acute patients from hospitals into other care settings to free up hospital beds. Jones is also responsible for publicly reporting surgical wait times and implementing an activity-based funding model that allows both public and private providers to compete for surgeries, aiming to improve efficiency and patient outcomes. Mental Health Minister Rick Wilson is tasked with implementing the Compassionate Intervention Act by 2027, which would allow involuntary treatment for individuals struggling with addiction, and forming an Indigenous advisory committee on mental health. Primary and Preventative Health Minister Adriana LaGrange must review publicly funded vaccination policies and ensure compliance with Bill 26, which restricts gender-affirming care for minors, even using the notwithstanding clause if necessary.
A provincial panel has recommended 11 changes to improve post-secondary funding and competitiveness, including replacing the current funding model with one based on enrolment, performance, and base funding. The report also emphasizes that institutions must remain politically neutral and uphold freedom of expression, warning that policies limiting debate or favoring certain perspectives undermine public support. The panel raised concerns about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, suggesting some may conflict with institutional neutrality, though critics argue these programs enhance access without compromising merit. Recommendations include more grants and scholarships for students, targeted funds for research and innovation, and reducing red tape in governance. The panel suggests phasing in the new model over five years, acknowledging it may require additional funding to accommodate enrolment growth and cost pressures. Some opposition figures worry enrolment-based funding could disadvantage smaller colleges, while student groups are cautiously optimistic about the changes. The Ministry of Advanced Education will review the report and discuss next steps with institutions.

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THIS WEEK IN ALBERTA

The UCP government plans to submit an application for a new oil pipeline to the northwestern British Columbia coast, with a formal proposal expected next spring. Premier Danielle Smith framed the project as part of a national interest effort to expand Canada’s role as an energy supplier. The Province has committed $14 million for early planning work, including route options, cost estimates, and consultation with Indigenous communities. An advisory group featuring Enbridge, Trans Mountain, and South Bow will support development. Indigenous co-ownership and involvement are being emphasized as central to the project’s design and approval process. Alberta is also pressing the federal government to revise or eliminate regulations on emissions and tanker traffic, arguing that such rules discourage investment.
Financial support for families has been announced as teachers prepare to strike on October 6th. Parents of children aged 12 and under will be eligible for $150 per week per student to help cover childcare, learning resources, or other needs during the strike. The program will be funded by redirecting unused education dollars, including unspent teacher salaries. The Province also introduced a free online learning toolkit to provide curriculum-aligned resources for families. Teachers recently rejected a proposed agreement by a wide margin, with their association arguing that the government should invest in classrooms rather than short-term subsidies. Parent groups echoed concerns about chronic underfunding, pointing to overcrowded and under-resourced classrooms. Community organizations such as the YMCA are stepping in with expanded programming to support families. At the same time, the government confirmed it will proceed with hiring 1,500 educational assistants, while still expressing hope a settlement can be reached.
Speaking of teachers, the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) is calling for the hiring of more than 5,000 new teachers to meet class-size recommendations from a 2003 provincial commission, which suggested smaller pupil-teacher ratios for all grade levels. ATA president Jason Schilling said current class sizes are much larger than those targets, creating unsustainable conditions. A recent government offer included funding for 3,000 new teachers and 1,500 educational assistants by 2028. Class size caps are a key sticking point, alongside teacher pay that has lagged behind inflation and the rising complexity of student needs. The government has pledged $8.6 billion over seven years to build and modernize schools and an additional $300 million for educational assistant positions, but Premier Danielle Smith has said caps are not feasible due to space constraints. Finance Minister Nate Horner emphasized that back-to-work legislation is not imminent, while Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides acknowledged uncertainty over what offer would satisfy teachers.
New measures to strengthen oversight of the commercial trucking industry were announced by the Alberta government on Friday as part of an effort to crack down on unsafe practices and unlicensed operators. The Province has closed five driver training schools, revoked 12 instructor licences, and issued more than $100,000 in penalties following months of inspections and investigations. 13 trucking companies have also been removed from Alberta’s roads for poor safety records, including seven “chameleon” carriers that tried to evade regulation by changing names or relocating. The Province is further targeting the “Drivers Inc.” scheme, where companies misclassify drivers as independent contractors to avoid taxes and benefits. Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen said the initiative is meant to ensure Alberta’s trucking sector remains safe and trusted. The plan builds on the Class 1 Learning Pathway introduced in April, which increased training hours, tightened licensing standards, and enhanced oversight of instructors and examiners.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) is requiring some non-unionized employees to take two unpaid days off before the end of March as part of efforts to address budget pressures. AHS said the measure will not affect frontline workers or patient care, and some lower-paid staff will be exempt. The unpaid leave, equivalent to 15.5 hours, applies to a portion of the non-unionized exempt workforce, which includes managers and senior leaders. AHS stated the move is temporary and follows other cost-saving efforts such as vacancy and vacation management. Health economist Dr. Braden Manns estimated the measure could save between $8 million and $15 million, though he noted the savings are relatively small compared to overall system costs. The announcement comes as Alberta continues restructuring its health system, with some staff already transferring to new provincial health agencies. AHS confirmed affected employees will have input on scheduling their unpaid leave.

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Premier Danielle Smith’s government is planning legislation that would allow the Province to ignore international agreements signed by the federal government if they affect areas under provincial jurisdiction, such as health care. The government says the law is meant to protect “Alberta’s authority” and ensure due process, noting that Ottawa is not currently required to consult provinces before signing such accords. Smith’s office cited the World Health Organization’s Pandemic Agreement as an example, claiming it could impact provincial health care responsibilities. Constitutional law experts say provinces already have some discretion over implementing international agreements affecting their jurisdiction, so it’s unclear what the new legislation would change. The government has not specified when the legislation will be introduced, but the legislature is set to resume next month.
Alberta’s Education Minister has been directed to create new pathways that would allow people with university degrees, diplomas, or trade certifications to qualify as teachers without completing a full Bachelor of Education. The aim is to expand the pool of candidates, particularly in rural areas facing teacher shortages. Details of the process are still being explored, but the province says additional training would be required and tailored to an individual’s background. The Alberta Teachers’ Association has cautioned against shortening certification, emphasizing that teaching requires specialized skills beyond subject knowledge, though it welcomed commitments to improved student supports. The directive comes amid a labour dispute between the Province and teachers. The mandate letter also instructed the minister to fully implement Bill 27, which requires parental consent for name and pronoun changes in schools, potentially using the notwithstanding clause if necessary.
Municipal Affairs Minister Dan Williams also received a new mandate letter, directing him to focus on reducing conflicts between provincial and local policies, limiting property tax increases, and reintroducing a universal code of conduct for municipal officials. The mandate letter emphasizes that municipalities should concentrate on core services, while the province retains constitutional authority and financial influence over local governments. Williams said the province will step in when municipalities move into areas seen as outside their jurisdiction. The government is also exploring ways to prevent what it considers excessive property tax hikes, though that term has not been defined, and to protect Albertans from specialized taxes on secondary properties. The new code of conduct is intended to restore decorum while safeguarding elected officials’ ability to perform their duties. Williams said municipalities play an important role but stressed that the province will continue to have a strong voice in municipal decision-making.
Premier Danielle Smith also gave a new mandate letter to Justice Minister Mickey Amery. He has been directed to introduce legislation that would give the province greater oversight of medical assistance in dying (MAiD). The new rules are expected to include “appropriate safeguards” and explicitly prohibit mental illness as the sole eligibility factor, although federal law already does not allow this. Since 2016, over 5,000 Albertans have chosen MAiD, with 1,117 in the past year alone. Critics argue that Alberta is moving ahead of Ottawa, which has been studying mental health eligibility for years, and some question whether the province should prioritize MAID legislation over other health-care issues like wait times and emergency room overcrowding. The legislation will also aim to protect the free speech rights of provincially regulated professionals, a move partly motivated by cases such as psychologist Jordan Peterson facing professional sanctions over online comments.
Alberta continues to lead Canada in attracting people from other provinces, though the pace has slowed compared to last year. Statistics Canada data show a net gain of 12,800 interprovincial migrants in the first half of 2025, almost half the number recorded in the same period of 2024. Since 2021, the province has gained more than 88,000 residents from elsewhere in Canada. Housing affordability remains a key factor, with buyers leaving costly markets in Toronto and Vancouver for more attainable options in Alberta. However, the province faces challenges in providing enough employment for newcomers, with the unemployment rate at 8.4% in August, the second highest in the country. Ontario experienced a net loss of 27,700 residents in early 2025, while British Columbia saw a modest gain of about 700 after posting a record loss in 2024.

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Starting in fall 2026, Alberta will include citizenship status and health card numbers on all new and renewed driver’s licences. Citizens will have a marker indicating their status, while non-citizens, including permanent residents, will not. To obtain or renew a licence, individuals will need to provide proof of citizenship or immigration status, though existing licences will remain valid without this requirement. Premier Danielle Smith claims it will streamline identity verification, enhance election security by ensuring only citizens vote, and improve oversight of health card use. Officials noted there are currently more registered health card numbers than residents, which is under investigation. The policy follows the launch of the Alberta Wallet app, which allows residents to store digital versions of government-issued documents, starting with a mobile health card.
Alberta has announced it will maintain its industrial carbon price at $95 per tonne in 2026, postponing the planned increase to $110 per tonne and diverging from the federal schedule. Premier Danielle Smith and Environment Minister Rebecca Schulz emphasized the freeze is intended to provide stability and economic relief for industry. Under federal rules, provinces can set their own industrial carbon pricing, but Ottawa’s backstop applies if provincial rates fall behind, raising questions about whether Prime Minister Mark Carney will enforce the higher federal price. Smith stated she is negotiating with Carney to ensure future increases do not harm projects or jobs while maintaining the effectiveness of carbon pricing. Environmental groups have urged Ottawa to enforce the federal rate, criticizing Alberta’s move as undermining climate policy. Federal officials indicated a willingness to collaborate with Alberta on a balanced approach that supports workers and competitiveness.
Premier Danielle Smith has directed Jobs Minister Joseph Schow to use all legal and policy tools to give the Province more control over immigration, emphasizing that Canadian citizens should have first access to jobs and young people should be prioritized over temporary foreign workers. The mandate letter focuses on economic migrants who can contribute to Alberta’s growth, though specifics on how this will be achieved have not been provided. Smith and her Alberta Next panel are consulting the public on whether the Province should create its own immigration system and restrict services for newcomers not approved by Alberta. Town hall feedback has largely supported these ideas, though some attendees and academics have criticized the government for blaming immigrants for housing, education, and health-care pressures. Opposition and newcomer advocacy groups argue the approach is heavy-handed and divisive.
Alberta’s government is planning to invoke the Charter’s notwithstanding clause this fall to uphold three laws affecting transgender people, according to a leaked memo. The legislation addresses school pronoun changes, bans transgender athletes from competing in female amateur sports, and limits things like puberty blockers for youth. Legal challenges are underway, with 2SLGBTQ+ advocacy groups calling the laws discriminatory. Premier Danielle Smith has said the clause may be used if necessary and expressed confidence the laws could withstand a Charter challenge. The notwithstanding clause allows governments to override certain Charter protections for up to five years, though it is rarely used. Alberta has directed officials to prepare legal analyses and briefing materials ahead of cabinet consideration in late October. Similar use of the clause occurred in Saskatchewan’s school pronoun law, which is also being contested in court.
Negotiations between the Alberta government and the Alberta Teachers’ Association have resumed with under three weeks before a potential provincewide strike on October 6th. The government has presented a new offer, while the union is responding to its latest proposal, though details of either offer have not been disclosed. The return to bargaining follows the resolution of a government complaint accusing the union of bad-faith bargaining, which centred on a misleading union communication about negotiators’ authority. Outstanding issues now focus on pay increases and COVID-19 vaccines for teachers, with the province offering a 12% raise over four years and plans to hire 3,000 more teachers. The union has warned that the pay hike and staffing additions are insufficient to address overcrowded classrooms and years of stagnant salaries. Both sides are running separate ad campaigns to sway public opinion, emphasizing their perspectives on student welfare and bargaining priorities. Union chair Peter MacKay resigned during negotiations, though the union says this will not affect its bargaining strategy. The looming strike threatens to disrupt education for over 700,000 students in Alberta’s 2,500 schools.