Applications will be accepted from October 13, 2026, to November 24, 2026.
Overview
The Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) Education Grant supports communities in strengthening local emergency response capacity by increasing access to Emergency Medical Responder education, certification, and training opportunities. The Grant provides funding for EMR training opportunities through organizations based in rural and remote communities, as well as First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities, where there are existing or nearby emergency health services (EHS) stations within a 100 km radius. This grant is specifically designed to increase the number of EHS practitioners in Alberta by supporting staff training needs in their local communities.
By focusing on areas where operators and communities face challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified staff, the grant will strengthen the local EHS workforce, improve ambulance response times, and enhance the overall response capacity of the EHS system.
Ultimately, this grant will increase access to health care services for you and support critical workforce improvements in EHS.
Funding
A total of $800,000 in funding is available, with grants of up to $24,000 per community or organization. This amount covers expenses, including course offerings and other related course offering costs. Submission of an application does not guarantee funding.
Each EMR course must be provided by a post-secondary institution approved by the Alberta College of Paramedics. The approved EMR training program will include online delivery and in-community training to communities that receive the grant.
Organizations that are able to demonstrate unsuccessful efforts in attracting or retaining EHS staff will be given priority, until funding is exhausted.
Eligibility
Eligibility is limited to organizations that have an existing EHS station within 100 km that serve residents of Alberta, specifically:
- rural communities and remote communities as defined in the Rural Health Action Plan, 2024-27
- First Nations
- Tribal Councils and Treaty Organizations
- Metis Settlements General Council
- Metis Settlements
- Otipemisiwak Métis Government (Métis Nation of Alberta)
- Indigenous serving non-profit organizations supporting First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples
- previous recipients of the Medical First Responder Grant
- licensed private or contracted ambulance operators in a rural and/or remote community
- licensed private or contracted ambulance operators in First Nations and Métis
Applicant organizations must:
- have internet access and devices for each student that can access the internet for the online training component
- have a facility, such as a community centre or gymnasium, to host the in-community practical sessions
- provide a letter of commitment to partner with a post-secondary institution or EMR training provider approved by the Alberta College of Paramedics
If you have questions about eligibility, email us at [email protected].
How to apply
Step 1. Read the guidelines
Review the EMR grant guidelines included in the application and proposal package for important information about the application and proposal process.
Step 2. Complete the application and proposal package
Follow the directions on the application and proposal package to fill out the forms. Include the following documents in your grant application and proposal package.
- Completed and signed grant application and completed proposal package.
- Evidence of licences, permits, inspections, land designations and more.
- Letter of commitment to partner from an Alberta College of Paramedics-approved EMR training provider or post-secondary institution.
Organizations can submit the application and proposal using any digital file format, provided it includes the required information.
Step 3. Submit the application and proposal package
Email your completed grant application and proposal package to [email protected].
After you apply
Applications will be reviewed by December 18, 2026. Priority will be given to communities that have shown challenges in attracting and retaining qualified practitioners, with the goal of ensuring equitable geographical distribution across the province.
Once applications and proposals are reviewed and decisions are finalized, successful applicants will be notified of the decision and the funding they will receive.
Reporting
The grant agreement will outline the reporting requirements and schedule. Recipients must regularly report on the project’s financial status and outcomes achieved.
Contact
Connect with the Emergency Health Services Branch:
Email: [email protected]