COVID-19 remains a public health threat. Mandatory measures are in effect provincewide.
Budget 2021 is focused on what matters most: protecting lives and livelihoods as we face one of the most difficult times in our history.
We will spend a record $23 billion on health care and there's an additional $1.25 billion specifically to fight the pandemic.
The budget will also support jobs now and into the future. Over the next 3 years, we will spend $1.5 billion to develop key sectors and diversify the economy, and $20.7 billion to build new roads, schools and hospitals.
Over the course of the fiscal plan, our approach to responsible and stable spending will also help bring down overall per capita expense.
Economic outlook
Alberta’s economic outlook is slightly more positive than reported in 2020. Alberta’s economy (measured by real Gross Domestic Product, or GDP), is expected to partially rebound by 4.8% in 2021. The economy is now expected to reach pre-COVID levels in 2022.
Revenue
While Alberta’s revenue has been negatively impacted by the pandemic and reduced energy demand, it is starting to grow again. Provincial revenue is projected to be $43.7 billion in 2021-22, an increase of 3.3% from the forecast for 2020-21.
Expense
Budget 2021 is making the right investments. The fiscal plan ensures the health care system can continue to manage the COVID-19 pandemic, helps support measures that will drive long-term economic recovery for a financially sustainable future, and ensures efficient delivery of services to Albertans.
Capital plan
The Capital Plan remains a key element of the government’s recovery strategy. The 3-year plan will support tens of thousands of jobs and invest in strategic infrastructure projects that will help spur economic growth.
What Budget 2021 means for you
Budget 2021 continues to provide social supports for those who need them, including children, families, seniors and vulnerable Albertans. It maintains funding for all current programs, including income and employment support, disability services and help for people experiencing homelessness or fleeing violence.
Watch the news conference
Finance Minister Travis Toews provides details on Budget 2021.
News
- March 5, 2021
Alberta’s health system will perform thousands more surgeries to eliminate the current backlog caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and reduce wait times.
- March 4, 2021
Budget 2021 is supporting a vital expansion of the neonatal intensive care unit at Calgary’s Foothills hospital to improve access and care for fragile newborns and at-risk moms from southern Alberta.
- March 3, 2021
Alberta seniors living in continuing care will benefit from an increase of more than $200-million in program funding as part of Budget 2021.
- March 2, 2021
Budget 2021 ensures the health system has the resources it needs to continue fighting the COVID-19 pandemic while also increasing overall health funding to meet other health needs of Albertans.
- February 25, 2021
Budget 2021 protects Albertans’ lives and livelihoods with a significant investment in health care while positioning the province for economic recovery with a continued focus on the efficient delivery of government services.
- February 25, 2021
Budget 2021 continues to provide critical social supports for children, families, seniors and vulnerable Albertans to help them through the COVID-19 pandemic.
- February 25, 2021
Protecting Albertans from COVID-19 continues to be the government’s top priority and Budget 2021 includes $1.25 billion specifically to fight the pandemic.
- February 25, 2021
Budget 2021’s careful approach to spending and strong fiscal anchors will mean more investment in priority areas like health care and economic recovery.
- February 25, 2021
Budget 2021 outlines how Alberta’s government is making strategic investments in natural resources and the environment to prepare for economic recovery and create good jobs for thousands of Albertans.
- February 25, 2021
Budget 2021 prepares Alberta for a strong economic recovery with investments to diversify the post-pandemic economy.