AlbertaInstitute

• 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.

• Three Alberta byelections will be held on June 23rd in Edmonton-Strathcona, Edmonton-Ellerslie, and Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills. The Edmonton-Strathcona seat, previously held by Rachel Notley, will see a high-profile contest between NDP leader Naheed Nenshi and UCP candidate Darby Crouch. Edmonton-Ellerslie, vacated by Rod Loyola, will feature a race between the NDP’s Gurtej Singh Brar and former PC MLA Naresh Bhadwaj of the UCP, alongside a candidate from the Alberta Republican Party. Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills is being vacated by Nathan Cooper, with UCP leader Danielle Smith appointing Tara Sawyer as the candidate. The NDP’s candidate will be Bev Toews, while the Alberta Republican Party’s leader, Cameron Davies, is also running in the conservative stronghold. These byelections will fill the three vacant seats in a legislature currently composed of 46 UCP MLAs, 36 NDP members, and two independents. Nominations for all three races close on June 5th.
• Alberta is redrawing its electoral boundaries in response to rapid population growth, which has pushed the province past five million residents. A new Electoral Boundaries Commission has launched public consultations ahead of adding two new ridings, which will increase the total number of MLAs from 87 to 89. Hearings began May 29th, with a draft map expected in October along with a final version in March 2026. The Commission, chaired by Justice Dallas Miller, includes bipartisan appointed members from the UCP and NDP. Major urban centres like Calgary and Edmonton have seen growth exceeding 40% in some ridings, while others have declined. Legislative changes now allow ridings to cross city boundaries, raising concerns about urban-rural splits. The Commission will attempt to balance population parity with fair representation. This is Alberta’s first boundary review since 2017 and will shape the next provincial election. Written submissions from the public are encouraged as part of the consultation process.
• The release of the independent report on Alberta Health Services (AHS) procurement practices has been delayed. Initially due on May 30th, investigation leader (and former Manitoba judge) Raymond Wyant requested extra time to complete his work, and the interim report will now be provided to the government on September 24th, with a final report expected by October 15th. The investigation, focused on AHS’s pharmaceutical purchases and chartered surgical services, has been slowed by the volume of documents and interviews involved. The delay comes amid ongoing RCMP and Auditor General investigations and follows whistleblower allegations tied to a $1.7 million wrongful dismissal suit. Critics, including NDP leader Naheed Nenshi, have called for a public inquiry, arguing that the current review lacks transparency.
• The Alberta government is rejecting a new report that gave the province a D+ grade on affordable housing, calling it politically driven and misleading. The report, commissioned by the Task Force for Housing and Climate, praised reforms in Calgary and Edmonton but criticized the provincial government for lacking investment in social housing and not addressing climate and regulatory issues. Alberta officials dismissed the report as biased, highlighting the province’s record housing starts and affordability levels. Critics of the report, including industry leaders, argued it focused too much on opinions on policy over actual housing outcomes. Meanwhile, supporters such as student advocates and housing organizations say the report highlights real problems, especially for vulnerable populations. Opposition MLAs and municipal leaders called on the province to take the recommendations seriously and collaborate with other levels of government.
• A new CBC News poll shows that Premier Danielle Smith and the United Conservative Party continue to enjoy strong support two years into their mandate, with 52% of decided and leaning voters backing the UCP. The poll suggests the UCP would win 61 seats if an election were held today, while NDP support has weakened, particularly in Edmonton and among younger voters. Despite public concerns about controversial policies like an Alberta-only pension plan and health system reforms, Smith’s personal approval rating has slightly improved since last year. In contrast, new NDP leader Naheed Nenshi is struggling to gain traction, with 40% of respondents unimpressed and a general perception that he is ideologically too far left. While Smith performs better among men and middle-aged voters, the NDP still holds a lead among women.
• Premier Danielle Smith and a delegation of Alberta ministers will travel to Washington, DC from June 2nd to 7th to promote Alberta as a leader in responsible and innovative energy development. The mission aims to strengthen North American energy partnerships and expand Alberta’s market access, particularly for ethically produced oil, gas, and minerals. Smith emphasized the importance of the US as Alberta’s top trading partner and highlighted the province’s role in supporting secure and reliable energy for global markets. Ministers Brian Jean and Nathan Neudorf stressed Alberta’s value in reducing reliance on resources from conflict zones and attracting investors through a competitive, business-friendly environment. Parliamentary Secretary Chantelle de Jonge noted the importance of cross-border collaboration to unlock mutual benefits in the energy sector. This visit builds on the momentum from Alberta’s participation in CERAWeek and is part of a broader strategy to navigate global trade and geopolitical complexities. The government also pointed to Alberta’s Emissions Reduction and Energy Development Plan as a foundation for sustainable growth.

• 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.

• 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 Legislature remains on break this week, but the Select Special Conflicts of Interest Act Review Committee will meet this morning at 10:00 am. The Committee will review the Conflicts of Interest Act.
• The Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses estimates that around one-fifth of the independent businesses in Alberta will begin shutting down if they are required to pay back the Canadian Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loans (provided during the COVID-19 pandemic) by the Thursday deadline. The CFIB says that 41% of its members surveyed just before Christmas will not be able to repay their loans by the deadline.
• Canmore residents, opposing a proposed development that could double the town's population, are urging Alberta to conduct a new environmental assessment on the plan. The Three Sisters Mountain Village, approved by Canmore town council in October, is facing renewed scrutiny. Lawyers representing a group of citizens argue that the environmental assessment process under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act has not been completed. They've sent a letter to Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, requesting an Environmental Impact Assessment.

At the Alberta Institute, you've probably noticed that we do a lot of work tracking, analyzing, and reporting on what is happening in Alberta politics and at the legislature in Edmonton.

But we also spend a significant amount of our time doing original public policy research and generating new ideas that Albertans and our representatives can adopt and implement to help make our province a freer and more prosperous place to live for everyone.

Of course, given time and resources aren't unlimited, we often have to pick and choose what issues to focus on, based on where we think we can make the most progress and impact.

That's why I'm very pleased today to be launching the first-ever edition of what will become the Alberta Institute's annual Alberta Policy Survey.

We'd like your help to guide us in determining what kinds of issues are the most important for you today, and what types of solutions you would like to see proposed in the future to solve these challenges.Filling out our Alberta Policy Survey 2022 will only take about 5 minutes, but will give our researchers a world of insight into where we should be focusing our attention as an organization.

The survey will be open for approximately two weeks, and then after that time we will take the results and develop a plan of action for our team's work over the coming months.

(Note that, while we do ask you to provide some basic information about yourself as part of the survey, you can rest assured that your responses will be kept anonymous and will be used only in the aggregate to ensure we are getting a range of perspectives from all types of people from all across the province.)

Please help out with our research by clicking here to fill out our short survey now:

Thank you for taking the time to participate and for helping identify how our Alberta Institute team can best advance the cause of individual freedom and liberty in Alberta in the coming weeks, months, and years.

Regards,Alberta Institute

#AlbertaInstitute, #AlbertaPolicySurvey

• Happy Victoria Day! The Legislature will resume on Tuesday, May 24th, after the long weekend. Up for discussion will be Bill 19, the Condominium Property Amendment Act, 2022 and Bill 21, the Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act, 2022.
• There are also three committee meetings this week, starting on Tuesday with the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, which will meet from 8:00 am to 10:00 am to consider the Ministry of Jobs, Economy, and Innovation’s 2020-2021 Annual Report. There will also be two meetings of the Select Special Committee on Real Property Rights, one on Thursday from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm and another on Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
• Alberta's two NHL teams are facing off in the playoffs for the first time since 1991. The matches have been high-scoring so far, with Wednesday night's game being won 9-6 by the Flames and Edmonton coming back with a Friday night 5-3 win and a 4-1 win yesterday. Whoever you’re cheering for, we look forward to increased patronage in our local bars and restaurants across the province! Game 4 will take place on Tuesday at 7:30 pm with the Oilers at home in Edmonton again.

#albertainstitute, #thisweekinalberta

Yesterday was an historic day in Alberta - and no, I'm not just referring to the first playoffs Battle of Alberta in 31 years!

A change in Premier is always an important moment for a province, and a large number of people have contacted me asking what this means for the Alberta Institute.

But, as you've probably heard me say over and over again, the Alberta Institute is a non-partisan organization and, unlike many groups on the left, we really mean it.

As a non-partisan organization, our job is not to support or oppose any party, elected official, or candidate.

Rather, our job is to develop, promote, and advocate for the absolute best public policies we can think of to advance the cause and interests of Alberta and Albertans.

Let me be clear, though - non-partisan is not the same as unprincipled.

My team and I all believe, passionately, in the ideas and principles of individual freedom, personal choice, free markets, competition, limited government, lower taxes, the rule of law, free speech, freedom of association, freedom of movement, and all the other vital aspects of a free and open society that Albertans deserve.

We support these ideas not just because they are, objectively, the best way to respect the right of individuals, but also because we know that these ideas work - they are the only proven way to enable and support human flourishing and improve the position of people from all walks of life, all around the world.

So, regardless of what has happened in the political sphere this week, and what will happen in the coming weeks, the Alberta Institute's mission and goals remain the same - to defend, expand, and fight for these ideals.

We will continue to research new ideas for Alberta, across every policy area.

We will continue to promote those ideas to Albertans, through every medium.

We will continue to connect like-minded Albertans with each other, to grow this movement.

And, yes, we will continue to hold every candidate, from every party, accountable for the promises they make, the actions they take, and the manner in which they represent Albertans.

No matter what side of any political debate you fall on, I believe that's something we can all come together and unite around.We all have a lot of work to do in the coming weeks and months.

My email inbox is open, so send me your thoughts!

Let me know what you think about what's happened and what we should do going forward from here.

Finally, if you're in a position to contribute financially to our important work, please consider making a donation here.

The Alberta Institute doesn't accept any government funding and we never will, because we think you should be free to choose, for yourself, which organizations to support.

But that does mean we're reliant on the generosity of our supporters to keep us running, so thank you to everyone for your ongoing support - we greatly appreciate it.

Regards,

Peter McCaffreyPresidentAlberta Institute

#AlbertaInstitute, #Albertans, #non-partisan

Yesterday, the Alberta Institute was very pleased to be involved in helping to launch a brand new grassroots school choice organization in Alberta.

We were very pleased to do so because education is one of the most important policy areas of responsibility of a provincial government.

The Alberta Parents’ Union is a new organization of Alberta parents advocating for the best possible education for all Alberta students - whether that be public, separate, francophone, alternative, charter, independent, or home education.

It's an organization made up of parents from all across the province, working to ensure that every student in Alberta has the opportunity to access a broad array of choice in education.

Here at the Alberta Institute, we will, of course, continue to do a wide range of research and advocacy activities on many different policy areas - including education - but the launch of a specialist grassroots education choice organization is incredibly important for our movement, which is why we're so pleased this is happening.

If you'd like to help defend the choice Alberta students currently have, expand the choice future students will have, and be part of a movement providing a positive alternative voice to the constant negative attacks by the teachers' unions, I encourage you to join the Alberta Parents' Union.

You can learn more about the organization here.

And, if you're on board, you can join right now here.

Living in Alberta, we are lucky enough to have some of the best education choices in the world, but we can't afford to take that choice for granted, and we can always work to do better.

Anyone working on that mission has our support, and I encourage you to give them yours too!

Regards,

Peter McCaffreyPresidentAlberta Institute

#AlbertaInstitute, # AlbertaParents’Union, #students