thisweekinalberta

• Premier Danielle Smith says the Province is actively seeking private-sector partners to build a new crude oil pipeline to the West Coast, potentially ending in Prince Rupert. Smith emphasized that no company will proceed without a clear path to regulatory approval, criticizing federal policies like the tanker ban and emissions cap as key obstacles. Smith encouraged attendees of the Global Energy Show, where she was speaking, to pressure Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government to support major infrastructure as part of his “energy superpower” vision. She’s also exploring export options via the East Coast and Hudson Bay, praising Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew for supporting oil shipments through Churchill. While Trans Mountain remains the only westbound pipeline to tidewater, Smith argued that additional routes are essential to diversify markets beyond the United States.
• Speaking of Premier Smith, her approval rating has risen to 51%, the highest since she took office in 2022, according to recent Angus Reid polling. While most provincial premiers saw declining support, Smith and Manitoba’s Wab Kinew were the only leaders with month-over-month increases. Smith’s rise coincides with her increased profile on the national and international stage, including visits to Mar-a-Lago and advocacy on oil and gas issues. Despite the improved rating, polling shows Smith remains one of Canada’s most polarizing premiers, with Albertans sharply split in their opinions: about a third strongly support her, while a slightly larger share strongly disapprove.
• The 2025 G7 Summit is underway in Kananaskis, bringing together world leaders to address pressing global challenges like security, economic instability, and climate-related disasters. Prime Minister Mark Carney, hosting for the first time, has outlined priorities including foreign interference, critical mineral supply chains, wildfire response, and securing new investment partnerships. Invited guests include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and world conflicts are expected to dominate discussions. Security is extremely tight for the summit, with the RCMP managing Canada’s largest-ever domestic security operation, including drone defenses and wildfire monitoring. Protesters will be kept far from the site but allowed to livestream their demonstrations into the summit.
• A recent report claims that Alberta’s new cleanup rules for renewable energy projects, introduced in early 2024, are making the province less competitive for investment. These regulations require developers to provide a substantial upfront reclamation security - 30% initially, increasing to 60% after 15 years - to cover future site cleanup costs like dismantling equipment and restoring vegetation. The Business Renewables Centre-Canada found Alberta’s upfront financial demands to be the highest among 27 jurisdictions, especially since the rules don’t consider the salvage value of materials like metals and concrete. Alberta’s government says the new policies aim to avoid past mistakes seen in oil and gas cleanup liabilities, but critics say clearer, more balanced regulations are needed to maintain investor confidence.
• Premier Danielle Smith has renewed her criticism of former federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault, now Heritage Minister, calling him out for trying to create new federally protected parks in Alberta that could block pipeline and energy projects. Smith says she will not agree to any new federal parks in the province and insisted that any protected areas should be managed provincially instead. Guilbeault, responsible for Parks Canada, denied the claim, emphasizing that park approvals involve collaboration with Indigenous groups, provinces, and local governments, not unilateral federal decisions. Smith pointed to past cases where Ottawa bypassed Alberta’s government to work directly with municipalities on park creation, which led to a provincial law requiring consent for urban park expansions. Critics also blame Guilbeault for poor management of Jasper National Park before the devastating wildfires in 2024 and for sidelining provincial officials during recovery efforts.

• The Alberta government has reversed a controversial beer tax increase that would have significantly raised costs for mid-sized breweries, including Big Rock Brewery. The original policy lowered the production threshold for the highest tax rate from 40 million litres to 18 million, which Big Rock said would have cost them an extra $1.4 million annually. Citing US aluminum tariffs and the need to support local businesses, the Province has now raised the threshold to 30 million litres and made tax increases more gradual. Big Rock welcomed the move, noting the timing is ideal as summer production ramps up and aluminum costs rise. The company had already paid an estimated $400,000 more under the short-lived fee schedule. Alberta’s Small Brewers Association praised the reversal and is pushing for a 50 million litre cap, similar to Saskatchewan. While Beer Canada initially supported the original change as fairer to smaller brewers, it is now calling for broader, lasting tax relief.
• Speaking of alcohol, Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) has announced the immediate return of US liquor products to store shelves after a three-month suspension. The original ban, imposed in March, was meant to support Canadian producers in response to American tariffs. Premier Danielle Smith had justified the move as a way to prioritize local alcohol purchases amid trade tensions. While US liquor imports are now allowed again, products shipped after March 4th will still face a 25% surtax. Minister Dale Nally said lifting the restrictions reflects Alberta’s renewed commitment to fair trade with the US and opens the door for smoother negotiations ahead of the next Canada-US-Mexico trade agreement renewal.
• The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) has introduced a temporary cap on how many large-scale data centres can be added to the provincial power grid due to an overwhelming surge in demand. Until 2028, only 1.2 gigawatts of capacity will be allocated for new data centre projects exceeding 75 megawatts, despite receiving proposals totalling over 16 gigawatts. AESO CEO Aaron Engen emphasized the need to balance investment with grid reliability and said the limit is designed to maintain system integrity while enabling gradual development. The cap still allows for billions in potential investment, and AESO is prioritizing projects based on municipal support and financial readiness. Alberta’s government remains optimistic about attracting up to $100 billion in AI-focused data centres, many of which may generate their own off-grid power. AESO is currently evaluating 15 filtered proposals, with more possibly being excluded based on feasibility. While it’s unclear how many projects relate to AI, cloud computing, or cryptocurrency, all must demonstrate their impact on the grid before gaining approval.
• Alberta has signed a new agreement with the Canadian Association of Energy Contractors to reduce inspection stops for oilfield service rigs. Under the deal, rigs that meet specific safety standards and subscribe to the Drivewyze pre-clearance program will be allowed to bypass certain weigh and inspection stations. Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen said the move addresses long-standing industry concerns and will allow rigs to spend more time in the field and less time on administrative tasks. The rigs, which often operate in consistent convoys with little variation in weight or equipment, will now be equipped with transponders for automated clearance, similar to the Nexus system for border crossings. Industry leaders say the change reflects the unique operating conditions of oilfield service rigs, which often travel limited distances annually.
• Premier Danielle Smith says she sees a “breakthrough” in talks with US officials on energy cooperation, particularly regarding Canada's potential role in supporting American energy dominance. During meetings in Washington, Smith emphasized Alberta’s resources - such as oil, gas, uranium, and electricity - as crucial to a shared North American energy strategy. Despite ongoing concerns over President Trump’s steep tariffs on steel and aluminum, Smith believes there’s growing recognition in the US of Canada's value as an energy partner. She criticized the aluminum tariffs as counterproductive, noting that the US relies heavily on Canadian aluminum, which is produced more efficiently using hydroelectricity. Smith acknowledged that discussions around other sectors like manufacturing, food, and timber remain unresolved, but the tone of the talks has been positive. She also expressed hope for progress on trade issues before the G7 summit in mid-June, possibly through a temporary agreement.
• Alberta and Ottawa have announced what they’re calling a “grand bargain” that would link new oil pipelines with major investments in decarbonization technology. Premier Danielle Smith and Prime Minister Mark Carney signalled openness to fast-tracking a West Coast pipeline if it carries “decarbonized barrels.” While both leaders expressed optimism, energy experts are skeptical, warning that carbon capture may not be profitable and could deter future investment. The proposed $16.5-billion Pathways project, which aims to store emissions underground, has stalled due to lack of funding and uncertain returns. Smith argued that revenues from expanded exports could make such initiatives viable, but critics say international competitors like Mexico and Venezuela have an advantage by not requiring costly emissions technology.

• A shocking new Leger poll shows that support for Alberta Independence has reached 47% amongst Albertans, with 48% opposed and 5% undecided. The poll also asked voters in the rest of the country how they felt about Alberta potentially leaving Canada. 62% of Canadians nationally were opposed to Alberta separating, with just 26% in favour. However, when asked whether they understood why Alberta might want to become an independent country, 55% responded yes and 37% responded no. With a potential referendum on separation coming next spring, polling showing support at almost 50% confirms that the issue of separation will almost certainly dominate both federal and Alberta politics in the coming year.
• During the Western Premiers’ Conference, BC Premier David Eby briefly seemed to not outright reject the idea of new pipelines, suggesting to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith a willingness to "cross that bridge" if another pipeline were ever proposed. But after the conference, Eby quickly reversed his stance, declaring firm opposition to any new oil pipelines through BC. He argued that the existing Trans Mountain Pipeline isn’t running at full capacity and should be the focus instead. We cannot afford to wait until the Trans Mountain pipeline is running at full capacity before even starting the conversation about building another one - especially given that a new pipeline would take several years to complete. With the current line already operating at roughly 88% capacity after just one year, it's clear there’s strong demand. The issue is expected to come to a head soon, with the Premiers meeting Prime Minister Carney in Saskatoon on June 2nd.
• Premier Danielle Smith says Alberta’s independence movement could lose momentum if Ottawa delivers meaningful economic policy changes to the West. Speaking after the Western Premiers Conference, Smith emphasized that action on economic corridors and trade access could satisfy many Albertans’ concerns. She stated that if Prime Minister Mark Carney acts on the Premiers’ proposals, it could significantly ease separatist sentiment. Smith reiterated her support for a strong Alberta within Canada and noted the importance of federal cooperation. Meanwhile, David Eby criticized Western separatist movements as a distraction pushed by “a small minority of cranks” and said it’s hard to imagine a worse time to tacitly or openly support voices that want to break Canada apart. In contrast, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith described those unhappy with Confederation not as fringe extremists but as friends and neighbours in the province who have grown frustrated with Ottawa.
• Tim Hodgson, the new federal Energy Minister, delivered a passionate speech in Calgary emphasizing the importance of Canada's energy sector as a key driver for the national economy and global influence. Drawing on his experience in the oil and gas industry, including his time with MEG Energy and involvement in major pipeline projects like the Alliance Pipeline, Hodgson stressed the need for timely delivery of energy infrastructure rather than delays. He highlighted the role Canadian energy exports play in reducing global reliance on less clean sources and called for government and industry cooperation to advance projects like the Pathways carbon-capture initiative. Hogson's pro-development tone was well received, but he didn't announce any policy changes, and the general mood is that action, not words, is what's needed now. And the big question that remains is whether his cabinet colleagues agree with him or not.
• Alberta will spend $7 million to expand its wildfire protection program, adding six new structural firefighting teams to guard communities near wildland areas. Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis said the teams will be stationed in locations including Hinton, Slave Lake and Strathmore. This brings the total number of teams to eight, up from two. Each will receive $1.09 million in funding, split evenly between Alberta’s Forestry and Parks Ministry and the federal government. The teams are trained to handle the unique threats posed by wildfires at the edge of populated areas. Local leaders welcomed the investment, calling it a proactive measure to protect residents, farmland and infrastructure. While no current wildfires are considered major threats, officials emphasized that preparation is key as risk levels rise.
• The Alberta government has warned that if negotiations with the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) do not progress, a strike or government-led lockout could occur. The Province accused the union of demanding an excessive 29% wage increase over four years, a figure the union disputes, stating their latest offer was 24%, similar to a recent agreement with nurses. AUPE president Guy Smith said the union is ready to strike if necessary but remains hopeful for a deal, with talks scheduled to resume on June 2nd. Finance Minister Nate Horner emphasized that the government’s offers reflect Alberta’s fiscal realities and comparable market rates, warning the province cannot afford to be an outlier in wage demands.

• Alberta’s spring legislative session concluded with the passage of 19 bills focused on restructuring key provincial systems and delivering on campaign promises. Among the legislation was a bill to create a framework for a provincial police force. The government also introduced a law mandating involuntary treatment for individuals struggling with addiction, aiming to address the ongoing drug crisis. New regulations were passed to oversee online gambling platforms, ensuring better control and consumer protection. The auto insurance system will shift toward a no-fault model, intended to reduce legal costs and streamline claims. Another bill removed the requirement for municipal councils to maintain codes of conduct, which we've advocated for for years. A tax-cutting budget was also passed, fulfilling a key UCP promise. Finally, the Province approved legislation transferring various public health roles from Alberta Health Services to the Health Ministry to better align with provincial priorities.
• Speaking of the Legislature, Ric McIver has been elected as the new Speaker of the Alberta Legislature, just hours after stepping down from his role as Municipal Affairs Minister. He replaces Nathan Cooper, who is resigning as an MLA in June to represent Alberta in Washington. McIver, a long-time Calgary-Hays MLA, was chosen over NDP MLA Heather Sweet in a secret ballot vote. Known for his extensive political experience and service under five premiers, McIver promised to approach the Speaker’s role with impartiality and respect for parliamentary traditions. Premier Danielle Smith and opposition leaders expressed confidence in his ability to lead fairly despite his strong partisan background. McIver is now tasked with maintaining order in the legislature and guiding debate, stepping into a non-partisan position for the first time in his career.
• Partly prompted by the election of Ric McIver as Speaker and the departure of Nathan Cooper, Premier Danielle Smith has shuffled Alberta’s Cabinet for the first time since her 2023 election win, expanding it to 27 ministers by adding three new members and reshaping or renaming seven ministries. Key changes include splitting the health ministry into four distinct portfolios: Adriana LaGrange now oversees Primary and Preventative Health, Matt Jones handles Hospital and Surgical Services, Rick Wilson becomes Minister of Mental Health and Addiction, and Jason Nixon takes on Assisted Living and Social Services. Dan Williams replaces Ric McIver as Minister of Municipal Affairs. New cabinet entrants include Andrew Boitchenko as Tourism and Sports Minister, Myles McDougall as Advanced Education Minister, and Grant Hunter as Associate Minister of Water. Demetrios Nicolaides retains the education portfolio and adds child care, while Rajan Sawhney moves to Indigenous Relations.
• Alberta’s government has introduced last-minute amendments to its proposed referendum legislation, asserting that any separation vote would not infringe on First Nations' Treaty rights. The bill, which seeks to make citizen-initiated referendums more achievable, has faced strong opposition from Indigenous leaders. Chiefs from Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation and Mikisew Cree First Nation dismissed the amendment as meaningless and pledged continued resistance. Critics, including NDP MLAs, argue the government is merely affirming existing legal obligations and failing to consult Indigenous communities properly. In addition to addressing Treaty rights, the Province introduced a second amendment to respond to concerns raised by Chief Electoral Officer Gordon McClure. McClure had warned that aspects of the bill would significantly weaken oversight of election laws, particularly by limiting the timeframe for investigating violations of campaign finance rules from three years down to just one. In response, the government amended the bill to extend that period to two years.
• Edmonton Centre MP Eleanor Olszewski was appointed by Prime Minister Mark Carney as Alberta’s only federal Cabinet Minister, taking on the role of Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience as well as Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada. Olszewski, a lawyer, business owner, and former army reservist, is among several new faces in Carney’s revamped cabinet. The Rural Municipalities of Alberta praised the move, noting that Alberta has faced numerous disasters and will likely face more in the future. Local leaders hope her position will lead to stronger collaboration and financial support for disaster mitigation efforts.
• The University of Calgary has launched the New North America Initiative to explore how Canada’s relationship with the US is shifting under Donald Trump’s second presidency. Researchers will develop fresh policy ideas and partner with American universities to better understand cross-border dynamics. The Alberta government is supporting the initiative with $6.5 million in taxpayer funding. The initiative aims to move beyond traditional government approaches in Ottawa and Washington and examine emerging political movements on both sides to anticipate future policy challenges.

• Premier Danielle Smith has launched a new initiative called Alberta Next to explore the province’s future within Canada, as citizen-led efforts to trigger a referendum on independence gain momentum. In a province-wide address, Smith detailed her grievances with Ottawa and said many Albertans no longer believe they can prosper within Confederation. The new panel will hold town halls and propose ideas that could be voted on in a 2026 referendum, though Smith emphasized that her government is not initiating a vote on separation itself. She has also introduced a negotiating team to push for demands like lifting the tanker ban, ending federal production caps, and securing Alberta’s energy export access. Smith described her first post-election conversation with Prime Minister Carney as positive but stressed the need for concrete action.
• Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has voiced strong support for a potential Alberta independence referendum. He praised Danielle Smith for confronting federal overreach and asserting Alberta’s right to defend its financial and political priorities. Drawing parallels to Quebec's own history, Plamondon argued that provinces have a legitimate right to consult citizens on sovereignty if Ottawa fails to respect them. He criticized Quebec Premier François Legault for lacking similar resolve, contrasting his inaction with Smith’s bold approach.
• Alberta Legislature Speaker Nathan Cooper is stepping down as both Speaker and MLA to become Alberta’s new representative in Washington, DC, starting in June. Cooper, who has served as the MLA for Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills since 2015, said the appointment comes at a crucial time for Alberta-US relations and was offered to him by Premier Danielle Smith. His new role will involve promoting investment, trade, and strategic connections in the US. His departure, along with two other recent MLA resignations, creates three vacancies in the Alberta Legislature. Cooper previously served as interim UCP leader, was elected Speaker in 2019, and re-elected in 2023.
• A two-year investigation by Alberta's Information and Privacy Commissioner has found that all 27 government departments violated provincial freedom of information laws. The report revealed that internal policies, including an "Access Request Playbook," allowed officials to unfairly reject information requests by demanding excessive detail and closing files prematurely. Commissioner Diane McLeod said such practices breach the government's legal duty to assist applicants and create unreasonable barriers to public access. She emphasized that citizens shouldn't need insider knowledge to request information and that current practices undermine democratic transparency. The government responded by claiming commitment to openness and pointed to a new, yet-to-be-enacted law that it says will improve the system. However, McLeod argued her concerns also apply to the new legislation.
• At its recent convention, the Alberta NDP voted to end automatic federal NDP membership for its provincial members, allowing individuals to opt out for the first time. The move, supported by over two-thirds of delegates, was controversial, with some warning it could damage national party unity. Critics argued the change was a reaction to political attacks from the UCP and feared it would weaken the broader NDP movement. Supporters, including leader Naheed Nenshi, said it would help attract new members who disagree with federal policies. Nenshi had campaigned on this change and welcomed the vote as a step toward greater inclusivity. Delegates also reaffirmed Nenshi’s leadership with 89.5% support, nearly a year after he succeeded Rachel Notley.
• Alberta teachers have overwhelmingly rejected a mediator’s recommendations in ongoing contract talks, triggering a 14-day cooling-off period before a possible strike vote. The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) reported record voter turnout, reflecting strong dissatisfaction with the proposed deal. The key issues include workload, class size, and compensation. The rejection sets the stage for escalating labour tensions between teachers and the provincial government, with the ATA warning that strike action remains a real possibility if meaningful progress isn't made soon.
• The province added 15,000 jobs in April 2025, making it one of the top provinces in Canada for employment growth, second only to Quebec. Most of the new positions were full-time, helping to recover some of the losses seen in March. Key sectors that saw gains included manufacturing, information and culture, and public administration. However, job losses were recorded in professional services, natural resources, and retail. Despite the job growth, Alberta’s unemployment rate remained steady at 7.1% due to population growth. Lethbridge had the lowest unemployment rate among major Alberta cities at 5.4%, while Red Deer had the highest at 8.2%. Calgary and Edmonton’s jobless rates held steady at 7.4% and 7.3%, respectively.

• Alberta’s government has introduced Bill 54, a piece of legislation aimed at changing how elections and democratic processes operate in the province. The bill would reintroduce union and corporate donations, raise election spending limits, ban electronic vote tabulators, remove vouching, and end the "vote anywhere" system, among other reforms. Under the proposed changes, political parties could spend up to $5 million in a general election, while individual candidate limits would rise from $60,800 to $75,000. In byelections, party spending limits would increase from $28,000 to $75,000. Third-party advertisers would also see expanded limits, with general election spending capped at $1 million, including a maximum of $225,000 in any single electoral division. The bill also proposes lowering thresholds for citizen-initiated referendums and MLA recalls, making it easier for voters to trigger political change.
• Premier Danielle Smith described her first meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney as a “positive first step” toward repairing Ottawa-Alberta relations. The two discussed barriers to Alberta’s energy sector, the ongoing trade dispute with the US, and the need for federal cooperation. Smith emphasized that reversing the damage from Ottawa’s past decade of anti-resource policies would require effort and collaboration. Meanwhile, the Province has launched a constitutional challenge against federal clean electricity regulations and is pressing for guarantees on new pipeline development. Smith will also address Albertans this afternoon at 3:00 pm to outline a “path forward with the federal government” following her meeting with Carney, and her recent caucus meeting.
• Conservative MP Damien Kurek has announced he will resign his Alberta seat in Battle River-Crowfoot to allow party leader Pierre Poilievre to re-enter the House of Commons after losing his Carleton riding in the recent federal election. Kurek, who won re-election with over 80% of the vote, said he believes this move is best for both his riding and the country. Poilievre accepted the offer with appreciation and committed to representing the riding and holding the Liberal minority government accountable. Prime Minister Mark Carney has pledged to call the by-election quickly. Although Poilievre won’t be in Parliament for its May 26th return, he plans to run in the by-election and later support Kurek's re-election in the next general election.
• Alberta recorded its highest federal election voter turnout since 1988, with approximately 70% of eligible voters casting a ballot, surpassing the national turnout of 68.7%. This marked the third consecutive election where Alberta outpaced the rest of Canada. Significant issues like US trade tensions and the rising cost of living were issues that motivated voters. Alberta also saw plenty of advance voting, with over 800,000 ballots cast in advance. The Conservatives dominated Alberta's seats, winning 34 of 37. Notably, voter turnout was particularly strong in the Sherwood Park-Fort Saskatchewan riding, where nearly 80% of voters participated.
• Former Alberta cabinet minister Peter Guthrie, now sitting as an Independent, is publicly sharing handwritten cabinet notes in an effort to, as he calls it, increase transparency around an ongoing healthcare contract scandal. Guthrie was expelled from the UCP caucus after calling for a public inquiry and criticizing the government's handling of allegations made by former AHS CEO Athana Mentzelopoulos, who claims she was fired to stop internal investigations into political interference and corruption. Premier Danielle Smith and Health Minister Adriana LaGrange deny any wrongdoing, stating Mentzelopoulos was dismissed for poor performance. Guthrie claims his concerns were dismissed by colleagues, prompting his resignation.
• The Alberta government will spend $185 million over three years to expand job training and employment services under Budget 2025. The funding aims to support more than 820,000 Albertans and includes over $20 million for simulated worksites that offer paid, hands-on experience. These sites help workers develop practical skills in real-world conditions. The initiative comes as Alberta’s unemployment rate rose to 7.1% in March, one of the highest in the country. Speaking of employment, the Province has opened applications for its "Alberta is Calling" moving bonus, offering $5,000 to cover relocation costs for up to 2,000 skilled tradespeople who moved to the province between May 1st and December 31st, 2024. The bonus is available to full-time workers in eligible occupations, such as aircraft mechanics and construction labourers, who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents. While the program has received praise, industry groups stress that Alberta still faces a significant shortage of skilled tradespeople, a problem that could worsen with a projected 700,000 retirements nationwide by 2028. The Business Council of Alberta and the Calgary Construction Association say there is a need for more comprehensive solutions to address the ongoing workforce gap.

• Dow Chemical has paused construction on its $11.6-billion Path2Zero net-zero petrochemical project in Alberta due to economic uncertainty and market conditions. The company cited global economic volatility, including factors such as the ongoing tariff issues, as the reason for delaying the project, which aims to reduce carbon emissions at its Fort Saskatchewan site. While Dow is slowing construction to preserve cash, the long-term plan for the project remains intact. Economic experts have pointed to the impact of fluctuating global markets and tariffs as a key factor in the decision. Despite the pause, related infrastructure projects, like the Yellowhead Mainline pipeline, are proceeding as planned.
• Alberta’s Agriculture Minister, RJ Sigurdson, is urging the next federal government to prioritize resolving trade disputes that are negatively affecting Alberta’s agricultural sector, particularly with China and the U.S. Sigurdson pointed to retaliatory Chinese tariffs on canola products, which have escalated due to a broader trade conflict, as a major issue for local producers. He emphasized the importance of Canada’s trade relationship with the US, especially under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), which has been beneficial for North American agriculture. Sigurdson also called for immediate action to protect this agreement and ensure the stability of food security and affordability across the continent.
• Speaking of agriculture, the Government of Alberta is providing over $7.4 million in one-time funding to seven regional agricultural societies across the province, including those in Red Deer, Camrose, Olds, Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, Lloydminster, and Grande Prairie. This funding aims to help these societies manage rising operational costs and support long-term sustainability. It includes $4.03 million for addressing costs and $2.87 million for business transformation projects. The investment is in addition to the $2.8 million annually provided through the Agricultural Societies Grant Program. Alberta's government based its funding strategy on a 2024 sustainability assessment conducted by Deloitte.
• Alberta NDP MLA Christina Gray has introduced Bill 210, which aims to regulate how tips are handled in the hospitality industry to ensure that service workers receive fair compensation. Currently, tips are not considered wages in Alberta, and in some cases, they are withheld by business owners rather than being given to the workers who earned them. The bill would bring Alberta in line with other Canadian jurisdictions. While some businesses already ensure tips go to staff, others may use them to fund operations. The Alberta Hospitality Association supports the bill, emphasizing the need to protect tip pooling for support staff while ensuring owners do not improperly benefit from gratuities. Gray hopes to gain bipartisan support for the bill.
• Alberta is joining the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation as its first North American member, with Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen attending the 71st General Assembly in Doha, Qatar. Loewen aims to promote Alberta as a prime hunting destination to boost the outfitting industry and create job opportunities while fostering global partnerships in wildlife management and conservation. During his trip, Loewen will also meet with experts on human-wildlife conflicts in the UK to further promote Alberta's hunting opportunities in Europe. The government will post Loewen's mission expenses online, and his itinerary includes meetings with key wildlife stakeholders in both Qatar and the UK.
• A record number of over 815,000 Albertans voted at advance polling stations for the 2025 federal election, marking an increase of about 169,000 from 2021. The Calgary Crowfoot riding had the highest turnout in Alberta, with over 33,700 advance voters, ranking fourth nationwide. While the rise in advance voting could hint at a higher overall turnout, other recent elections with high rates of advance voting have had reduced election day turnout, leading to similar overall turnout in the end.

• Alberta is searching for a new Chief Medical Officer of Health following the end of Dr. Mark Joffe’s contract. Joffe, who served since November 2022, stepped down amid a measles outbreak in Calgary, Canmore, and Banff. The Province has named Dr. Sunil Sookram as its Interim Chief Medical Officer of Health. Sookram brings significant front-line and leadership experience, currently serving as a hospital medical director and emergency physician, as well as a clinical professor. His appointment is intended to provide stability while the Province searches for a permanent replacement.
• Premier Danielle Smith is on a week-long trade mission to Japan and South Korea, aiming to strengthen Alberta’s economic ties in Asia. The trip focuses on promoting Alberta’s energy, agriculture, and other key sectors to Asian markets. In Japan, Smith plans to meet with officials and industry leaders to position Alberta as a reliable trade partner for energy and food. She will then travel to Gangwon State, South Korea, a region with long-standing ties to Alberta and a history of major investments in the province.
• Alberta is inviting input from industry leaders, business owners, and other provinces to help identify and remove barriers to interprovincial trade. A new portal launching soon will allow stakeholders to flag obstacles that hinder the free flow of goods, services, and investment. Trade Minister Matt Jones says the initiative supports Alberta’s ongoing efforts to reduce red tape and boost economic growth. The province is positioning itself as a national leader in internal free trade, aligning with Premier Danielle Smith’s pledge to counteract US tariffs by enhancing domestic trade.

• The Alberta government is moving to eliminate mandatory municipal Codes of Conduct, arguing they have been misused by Councillors to target their colleagues. Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver described the codes as being “weaponized” in internal political disputes, creating dysfunction in councils. Under Bill 50, existing conduct complaints not already before the courts would be dropped, and a consultation process will begin to explore alternatives. McIver suggested a provincial Ethics Commissioner could oversee future conduct issues to ensure fairness.
• The Province is launching a new acute care funding model that shifts to activity-based funding, aiming to increase surgical volumes and reduce wait times by rewarding facilities based on performance. Premier Danielle Smith says the change will encourage competition and efficiency among hospitals, including public and private providers. The newly created Acute Care Alberta will oversee the system, with Alberta Health Services now acting as just one of several service providers.
• Alberta is moving forward with legislation to allow hydrogen blending into natural gas for home and business heating, aiming to reduce emissions as part of its 2021 Hydrogen Roadmap. The proposed blend would include up to 5% hydrogen, with community consultation required before implementation. A pilot project in Fort Saskatchewan is already supplying blended gas to over 2,000 homes, while plans for a pure hydrogen community are being explored.

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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.