Alberta Life & Living
Breath-taking natural wonders, welcoming communities, and new, exciting experiences are not the only things that attract people from all over the world to Alberta.
Every year, people from across Canada and all over the world come to Alberta as their place of choice to work and live. Alberta has a high standard of living, diverse and welcoming communities, stunning landscapes.
Alberta is made up of a diverse set of cultures and communities that are home to many world-class services. Our quality of life is excellent and many new career opportunities, with a focus on economic growth, creating jobs and abundant opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Life in Alberta provides many opportunities for you to discover.
Community and lifestyle
Alberta is made up of a diverse set of cultures and communities that are home to many world-class services.
Our communities are part of what makes Alberta such a great place to live, with small, rural towns home of only a few hundred people, to our 2 major cities, Calgary and Edmonton, with populations of over 1 million each. Each have their own unique character and many opportunities for work.
While Alberta is Canada’s fourth-most populous province, it is also the fourth largest, which means it is never hard to escape into nature.
There are many places you could live, each with its own unique character, and opportunities for work across the province.
Volunteering is also very popular with 80% of locals engaging in volunteer activities.
“With a new year dawning, Albertans have many reasons for optimism.
“Our economy has bounced back from serious challenges and is showing signs of strength. Businesses are growing, creating fresh jobs and opportunities, while Alberta’s resources are in demand around the world.
“At the same time, our government is moving quickly to ease the affordability crisis, improve access to health care and stand fast with other provinces against federal overreach.
“There is a long road ahead to achieve these goals. But Alberta has never lacked for ambition or the resolve to see it through to success. Together, we will protect and build up our beautiful home, making it a better place for everyone.
"As Albertans, we have much to be thankful for and even more to be excited about in the future. I wish you all a safe, happy and fulfilling 2023!”
- The Legislature continues its break until October 31st, but there will be a meeting of the Standing Committee on The Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund on Tuesday at 9:00 am. The Committee will discuss the draft of the 2021-2022 Annual Report as well as put together a plan to host the Fund’s Annual Public Meeting.
- There will be no regularly scheduled COVID-19 updates this week, or going forward. Public data will still be gathered, but last week marked the final in-person briefing. In the fall, Alberta will report on the disease using the dashboard for reporting influenza.
- Alberta’s first lithium evaluation wells will be drilled in Leduc, on the same site as the historic oilfield that launched the province’s oil and gas industry. Calgary startup E3 Lithium will be teaming up with Imperial Oil on the pilot project. The goal is to create a domestic supply chain for lithium, which is used for electric vehicle batteries.
- The Legislature continues its summer recess until October 31st, however there is one committee meeting scheduled for this week. The Standing Committee on Legislative Offices will meet on Wednesday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, but no agenda is available yet.
- The recent rainy weather is providing some hope to farmers in southern Alberta. Before the rainfall, four districts had declared an agricultural disaster. The rain may have come too late though, as sub-soil moisture levels are not where they should be. Still, some farmers are saying there is renewed optimism for a good harvest.
- The Free Alberta Strategy team will be hosting a virtual UCP Leadership Panel on Thursday, June 23rd from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The online discussion will centre around the Free Alberta Strategy, equalization, transfer payments, and other aspects of Alberta/Federal relations. The event is free and everyone is welcome, but registration is required.
- The Legislature continues its summer break until October 31st, though his is subject to change depending on the priorities of the new United Conservative Party leader. There are no committee meetings scheduled for this week either.
- Major delays continue at Alberta Land Titles offices. As of last week, the offices had only processed transactions up to February 24th. This could lead to property tax implications for owners who have sold their properties recently, as taxes are due in June. Someone who recently bought a home may not get a property tax notice, as it will be sent to the old property owner. Adding to the mess is the lack of a coordinated way for municipalities to deal with the backlog. Each municipality is dealing with the issue separately.
- Alberta beekeepers are considering their options after facing substantial bee colony losses over the winter due to frigid temperatures and a parasite called a Varroa Destructor. Alberta is the largest honey producer in Canada, responsible for 36% of the country's production. Beekeepers are considering importing hives from northern California to increase their colony numbers but at the moment, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency doesn’t allow such imports, citing parasite risk.
- The Legislature is now off on summer break until October 31st, but this is subject to change depending on the priorities of the new UCP leader - see below for an update on that. We expect that a new leader would provide a Speech from the Throne to lay out their agenda, but we will keep you updated.
- Two committees will be meeting this week. On Tuesday, the Select Special Committee to Examine Safe Supply will meet from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. The Committee will finalize discussions and begin work on its report to the Assembly. Astute observers will remember that this committee had all its opposition members quit this past winter so it is entirely composed of United Conservative Party members. On Wednesday, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, there will be a meeting of the Select Special Ombudsman and Public Interest Commissioner Search Committee. No agenda is available for this meeting.
- Candidates continue to announce their campaigns for the United Conservative Party leadership race. Todd Loewen, Brian Jean, Danielle Smith, and Travis Toews are all running to replace outgoing Premier Jason Kenney. The UCP has yet to announce dates, fees, or the structure of the race, but we’ll let you know as soon as we get the information.