Reg Rygus
This Week In Alberta
Posts of news-worthy articles and happenings around the province of Alberta.
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- Wednesday is Christmas, and we hope you have a wonderful time planned with friends and family. This season is a time to reflect on the people and moments that make a difference, and we are truly grateful for your support throughout the year. As we celebrate, we’re also in the middle of our year-end fundraiser, working to raise $50,000 by December 31st to continue the important work we do. If you value our efforts and want to see them grow, please consider making a donation today - every bit helps, and we deeply appreciate your generosity. From all of us at the Alberta Institute, Merry Christmas!
- Alberta leads Canada in housing starts per capita in 2024, with nearly 43,000 new homes built, a 35% increase compared to the previous year. This surge in construction is primarily driven by affordability, attracting people from provinces like BC and Ontario, as well as international immigrants. Despite the increase in supply, experts suggest that home prices are unlikely to drop. Instead, the influx of buyers could lead to bidding wars, pushing prices higher. Additionally, Alberta saw a record number of apartment starts in 2024, with over 9,900 new units built in the first half of the year, surpassing a 1977 record.
- The Alberta government is forming an advisory panel to guide its homelessness strategy, with a focus on rural and Indigenous communities. Co-chaired by MLA Justin Wright and Robin James of the Lethbridge Housing Authority, the panel will evaluate government actions and funding. Community and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon emphasized improving data accuracy on homelessness as a key priority. Additionally, the Province plans to change its grant process, shifting funding directly to front-line agencies instead of routing it through non-profits. The panel is expected to begin its work early next year.
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- Rachel Notley, former Premier of Alberta and former leader of the NDP, is resigning from her position as MLA for Edmonton-Strathcona, effective December 30th, 2024. Naheed Nenshi, the current leader of the Alberta NDP, says he’s thinking about running for the seat. When a vacancy arose in Lethbridge, Nenshi said that he preferred to represent a Calgary seat, citing his roots in the city. At the time, critics suggested that his reluctance to run in Lethbridge was likely due to concerns over his ability to win there - it looks like they were probably right! Now, with a safe NDP seat opening in Edmonton, Nenshi appears to have no reservations about running outside of Calgary.
- Alberta is implementing electricity market reforms to reduce costs for ratepayers and enhance affordability. Starting April 18th, 2025, the Province will shift to a day-ahead market model, where power generators commit their energy 24 hours in advance, providing clearer information for better grid management and less price volatility. These changes aim to improve the reliability of the system and foster competition, making electricity pricing more stable.
- Edmonton Police Chief Dale McFee will be the Province’s new top bureaucrat. Starting February 24th, 2025, he will serve as Deputy Minister of Executive Council and head of the Alberta Public Service. McFee has been the Edmonton Police Chief since 2019 and has held leadership roles with the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and the Canadian Police Association. Prior to his role in Edmonton, he worked as a Deputy Minister for Corrections and Policing in Saskatchewan. Premier Danielle Smith says she’s confident that McFee's experience and perspective will benefit the Province's public service.
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- Alberta’s fall legislature session is now adjourned. During the session, 13 bills were passed. Key legislation included changes to the Alberta Bill of Rights, updates to access to information rules, and changes to pronoun use in schools. Other bills addressed child-care regulations, food safety, and the development of all-season resorts on Crown land. We’ll be sending out a summary of all the bills soon, to ensure you’re up to date!
- Under Alberta's new data center attraction strategy, Technology Minister Nate Glubish aims to see $100 billion in AI-focused infrastructure built within five years to attract tech giants like Meta, Google, and Amazon. The plan includes off-grid power options to avoid impacting Alberta's electricity grid. A "concierge program" has also been launched to expedite regulatory processes, with several companies already showing interest.
- The Alberta government is examining over 100 potential sites for water storage infrastructure, including dams and reservoirs, to address future water demands. The Water Storage Opportunities Study aims to enhance water supply, mitigate droughts and floods, and support growing communities across the province. The initiative is part of efforts to modernize the water management system and includes ongoing feasibility studies for the Ardley Reservoir and Eyremore Dam.
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- Premier Danielle Smith is exploring options for increasing border security with Montana to address concerns about illegal migration and drug trafficking, especially in light of potential tariffs threatened by US President-elect Donald Trump. The Province is considering border patrol options such as deploying specialized sheriff units and drones. Smith emphasized that while the border itself is federal jurisdiction, Alberta has responsibility for policing land near the border and will collaborate with federal agencies and Montana authorities. Alberta's Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis is also in discussions with Montana to develop joint border measures.
- Alberta is challenging the federal government in court over the amended Impact Assessment Act, citing constitutional concerns. Premier Danielle Smith announced plans to seek a ruling from the Alberta Court of Appeal, arguing that the law oversteps federal authority and infringes on provincial jurisdiction. The Act, which evaluates major resource projects based on environmental, economic, and social criteria, was recently revised following a Supreme Court decision. Despite the amendments, Smith claims the changes fail to address constitutional issues and hinder investment in Alberta's resource sector.
- The Alberta government is withdrawing $1 million in annual funding for the Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board (EMRB) starting in 2025, making membership voluntary instead of mandatory. The EMRB expressed shock at the sudden decision, noting the board's role in regional collaboration on economic development, land use, and infrastructure planning. This comes after an announcement that the Calgary Metropolitan Region Board (CMRB) would also lose funding and have its membership made voluntary. Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver defended the decision, emphasizing the boards were always intended to become self-funding. This is a big win for us - we’ve been advocating for this move for several years!
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- Alberta plans to release a master plan for a provincial passenger rail system by summer 2025, focusing on connections between Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, and mountain parks. The 15-year delivery plan aims to improve transit to city airports and surrounding communities, while a proposed Crown corporation, similar to Ontario’s Metrolinx, would oversee operations and collaborate with private firms. Public consultation has begun via an online survey, open until December 20th, with regional open houses planned for 2025. You can take the survey online here.
- The Province is forecasting a $4.6 billion surplus for the current fiscal year, a sharp increase from the $367 million initially projected. Higher-than-expected income tax revenue, driven by strong population growth and oil royalties, contributed to the surplus. However, Finance Minister Nate Horner warned of challenges, including volatile oil prices and potential US trade tariffs, which could lead to future deficits.
- The Lethbridge-West byelection is set for December 18th, following the resignation of NDP MLA Shannon Phillips earlier this year. UCP candidate John Middleton-Hope, a former police chief and City Councillor, is aiming to reclaim the seat, which has been held by the NDP since 2015. He plans to focus on public safety, health care, education, and infrastructure. NDP candidate Rob Miyashiro, another former City Councillor and senior citizens’ advocate, emphasizes health care, affordability, and environmental concerns. Both candidates are urging residents to participate in the vote, with advance polling starting December 10th. Other parties, including the Alberta Party and Liberal Party, are finalizing their candidates for the race.
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- Alberta’s government is beginning consultations to draft new curriculums for junior high subjects, including math, social studies, physical education, and Career and Life Management (CALM). Feedback will focus on integrating career education, financial literacy, life skills, and home maintenance to prepare students for life beyond school. The drafts will align with the newly implemented elementary curriculum and are set to be introduced in the 2026-27 school year. Education partners, subject experts, and teachers will review and provide input on the content, with opportunities for schools to pilot the curriculum in the 2025-26 school year. Our friends at the Alberta Parents’ Union will have plenty more to say about this, so be sure to subscribe to their newsletter if you want to follow the discussion!
- The Alberta government is considering adding citizenship status to driver’s licences as part of an effort to enhance election security. Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally said it would help ensure voters are Canadian citizens. Premier Danielle Smith highlighted concerns over potential foreign interference, emphasizing the need to strengthen trust in elections. Although the proposal is still in the early stages, Nally’s office noted it is part of a broader plan to modernize registries.
- The Province says that its voluntary water-sharing agreements were a major success, bringing together municipalities, industries, and irrigation districts to reduce water usage during a challenging drought season. Covering the Red Deer, Bow, and Oldman river sub-basins, these agreements led municipalities like Lethbridge and Medicine Hat to surpass water reduction goals. The agreements will remain in place until the end of 2024.
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- The Alberta government is advancing legislation to open Crown land for all-season resort development, aiming to stimulate tourism. This initiative would allow resorts in areas like Kananaskis Country, positioning Alberta to attract year-round visitors with diverse recreational options, from skiing to spas. The legislation will also establish a new regulator to streamline the application process and address environmental considerations. This plan aligns Alberta’s approach with British Columbia's established resort framework, responding to concerns about tourism dollars leaving the province. Public consultation will help determine specific development sites.
- Alberta is lifting restrictions on trapping wolverines, lynx, river otters, and fishers on Crown land to gather data on their populations, a move Forestry Minister Todd Loewen says will help establish informed quotas. Previously, trapping these species, particularly wolverines, was heavily limited due to insufficient population data. The last estimate in 2003 suggested there were fewer than 1,000 breeding wolverines. Loewen says that trappers' field knowledge and logbooks are vital resources that can provide large-scale ecological insights faster than a small team of biologists alone.
- Alberta’s updated K-12 curriculum introduces a directive for students to learn about the province's role as the "most ethical producer of oil" and the importance of natural resources to Alberta’s quality of life. The curriculum framework, released online in April, is part of an ongoing process to emphasize Alberta's economic contributions through its energy sector. Similar courses are being developed in Saskatchewan.
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- Premier Danielle Smith is initiating a legal challenge against Ottawa's federal carbon tax, seeking an exemption for Alberta and labeling the tax as unconstitutional. Alberta will be arguing that the carbon tax disproportionately affects provinces that rely on natural gas for heating, especially given the recent exemption granted to heating oil users in Atlantic Canada. Justice Minister Mickey Amery echoed this, stating that creating regional exemptions is unfair to other provinces.
- The Alberta government is investing nearly $4.9 million in dual credit grants for high school students in the 2024-25 school year. This funding will support 55 new and 22 expanded dual credit programs across 58 school authorities, allowing students to earn both high school and post-secondary credits. The programs aim to prepare students for careers in fields such as skilled trades, agriculture, and healthcare. Dual credit options are available to students across public, separate, francophone, charter, First Nations, and independent schools.
- The Select Special Ethics Commissioner and Chief Electoral Officer Search Committee is recommending Gordon McClure as Alberta's next Chief Electoral Officer. McClure has held roles such as Appeals Coordinator and Chair of the Public Lands Appeal Board. He also holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Victoria. As Chief Electoral Officer, he would oversee duties under Alberta's Election Act, Election Finances and Contributions Disclosure Act, and Senatorial Selection Act. The recommendation will be presented to the Legislative Assembly for final approval in the coming days.
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- Premier Danielle Smith says that her government will introduce legislation in 2025 to restrict professional regulatory bodies in Alberta from policing members’ personal beliefs or expressions outside their professional roles. Justice Minister Mickey Amery noted that many professionals face lengthy disciplinary processes for expressing opinions unrelated to their work, often due to complaints from individuals they haven’t served. The review will assess issues such as unnecessary training, the scope of regulatory oversight, and complaints made in bad faith.
- The Alberta government is launching a five-year pilot program allowing golf carts on roads in seven rural communities. Changes to the Traffic Safety Act now permit these vehicles in Acme, Coaldale, Whispering Hills, Linden, Delburne, Lacombe County, and Half Moon Bay. Only those 14 and older will be allowed to drive them, and there must only be as many passengers as there are seats in the cart.
- Our friends at Project Confederation are hosting a virtual event tonight at 6:00 pm, to discuss Canada’s fiscal transfer framework and its effects on Alberta. Josh Andrus, Executive Director of Project Confederation, will provide an economic analysis of equalization costs and the fiscal transfer system, exploring how these financial burdens impact Alberta's economy. The event is free but attendees must register online to receive the Zoom link.
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- The Alberta government is expressing strong opposition to Bill C-282, a supply management bill from the Bloc Québécois aimed at protecting the dairy, poultry, and egg industries from future trade negotiations. Alberta's Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade, Matt Jones, emphasized that the bill could hinder Canada's ability to negotiate beneficial trade agreements and weaken its reputation as a trading partner. Meanwhile, agricultural groups from Alberta and other provinces voiced their disappointment over the bill, arguing it threatens the interests of export-driven sectors, including beef and pork. The bill has garnered cross-party support and has passed the House of Commons but is now under scrutiny in the Senate.
- The Alberta government is set to launch a new agency, Primary Care Alberta, by November as part of its broader health care system overhaul. This agency will focus on enhancing access to family doctors and nurse practitioners, developing new care models, and offering virtual after-hours services. Dr. Kim Simmonds has been appointed as the first CEO of Primary Care Alberta. The Province is also moving responsibility for long-term care and supportive living programs from the Health Ministry to Seniors and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon. This change is part of a broader overhaul of Alberta's healthcare system, which includes restructuring Alberta Health Services into four new agencies. Nixon stated that details are still being finalized but emphasized that immediate service changes are not anticipated.
- Alberta may receive billions from a proposed settlement with major tobacco companies as part of a health-care cost recovery effort. The exact amount Alberta would receive from the proposed settlement is uncertain, but court documents indicate the province is entitled to approximately 12% of the nearly $25 billion allocated to provinces and territories. This would equate to over $3 billion for Alberta. The agreement involves JTI-Macdonald Corp., Imperial Tobacco Canada Ltd., and Rothmans, Benson & Hedges, who are expected to pay billions to provinces, territories, and some smokers across Canada. The deal, which requires court approval, comes after years of negotiations.
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- The Province remains skeptical of the federal pharmacare program, which now covers diabetes medication and birth control under Bill C-64. Alberta Health Minister Adriana LaGrange expressed concern about the lack of a long-term vision and financial support for national pharmacare, emphasizing Alberta's preference for its existing drug coverage programs. She stressed the need for meaningful collaboration with the federal government to avoid duplicating services or creating unnecessary administrative burdens. The federal government aims to reach pharmacare agreements with provinces by spring 2025, but Alberta continues to advocate for predictable and sustainable health funding.
- Alberta nurses are considering a mediator-recommended settlement. The proposed deal includes pay increases ranging from 12% to 22% over four years, along with significant raises for some pay premiums. The United Nurses of Alberta had initially sought a 30% raise over two years, while the government offered 7.5% over four years. The union, representing over 30,000 nurses, had been considering a strike vote before this settlement recommendation. A ratification vote takes place on October 30th.
- Starting October 20th, homebuyers in Alberta will see an increase in fees for land transfers and mortgage registrations. The land transfer fee will rise from $2 to $5 per $5,000 of the purchase price, while the mortgage registration fee will increase from $1.50 to $5 per $5,000 of the mortgage amount. According to the Alberta Real Estate Association, the tax really shouldn't be there in the first place.
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- Negotiations between Alberta's nurses and the provincial government are stalled, raising the possibility of a strike. The United Nurses of Alberta, representing over 30,000 nurses, is asking for a 30% pay increase over two years, while the Province has offered 7.5% over four years. If mediation fails, a strike vote may occur, although essential services agreements ensure emergency care will remain available.
- Alberta's Indigenous tourism industry is projected to contribute $126 million to the province's economy in 2024. With more international visitors seeking authentic Indigenous experiences, one in three travelers now engages with this growing sector. The Alberta government has pledged $8.85 million to support Indigenous Tourism Alberta from 2021 to 2026.
- Nominations are open for the Alberta Sport Recognition Awards to honour athletes, teams, coaches, and volunteers for their contributions to the sports community. The awards recognize excellence in various categories, including Junior and Open Athlete of the Year, Team of the Year, Coach, Technical Officials, and Sport Volunteer Awards. These awards have been presented annually since 2002, celebrating remarkable achievements in sports.