The council includes community advocates, business leaders, and a municipal councillor, and is lead by a representative of Alberta’s government caucus – all from northern Alberta. The council’s role is to promote the interests of Alberta’s northern communities to the benefit of all Albertans. The 2021-2022 NADC annual report highlights key accomplishments that have helped grow Alberta’s northern markets, support even more economic diversification, and help northern Albertans, students and business owners reach their full potential.

“As a proud northern Albertan, I have witnessed firsthand the hard work of our northern communities as they help build and diversify Alberta’s economy. I look forward to engaging with the NADC as we plan for the future and ensure a renewed Alberta advantage across this great province.”

Brian Jean, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development

Through the NADC Bursary Program, Alberta’s government provided bursaries to 249 Albertans in 2021-22, totalling nearly $1.56 million. These bursaries have helped students gain new, high-demand skills in healthcare, business, engineering, and more. This also included 63 bursaries to Indigenous learners to obtain new skills and training to enter northern Alberta’s workforce.

“It’s important that we support opportunities for Albertans in every corner of the province. Through the NADC Bursary Program, we’re helping northern Albertans access the training and education they need to realize their full potential, grow local economies and contribute to a thriving Alberta.”

Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Advanced Education

“Northern, rural and remote communities deserve high quality education, and we are proud to work with the NADC to attract talented young teachers to the places that need them most. The Northern Student Teacher Bursary is helping fill positions in northern schools while also ensuring northern students get the education they need to become our future leaders, innovators and job creators.”

Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Education

The council continues to engage with Albertans, businesses, non-profit organizations and municipalities in Alberta’s northern region to understand the needs of different communities, and help create opportunities for growth. This includes taking an active role in shaping discussions on multimodal corridors to support broadband, utilities, roadway and rail connection across the north.

“Northern Alberta has a unique and vibrant economy, and it is our job to help these businesses and communities reach their full potential. As the chair of the NADC, it is my pleasure to work with our partners and develop an action plan that puts Albertans first, and makes northern Alberta a great place to grow a business and raise a family.”

David Hanson, NADC chair and MLA for Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul

Albertans can learn more about the NADC’s activities and accomplishments by reading the council’s 2021-2022 annual report available at nadc.ca.

Quick facts

  • Established in 1963, the NADC is a public agency accountable to the minister of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development. Its mandate is to investigate, monitor, evaluate, plan and promote practical measures to foster and advance development in northern Alberta.

  • The council engages with northern Albertans to explore opportunities and promote growth. The council also enhances dialogue between government and northern Albertans, and provides strategic advice and recommendations to government to help plan for the future of the region.

  • The NADC region covers 60 per cent of the province’s land mass and is home to more than 350,000 Albertans living in 150 communities located in 52 municipal authorities.

    • Treaties 6, 8 and 10 are located within the region. There are 32 First Nations in the region.

    • All eight Metis Settlements in the province are located within the region.