Expense

Response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Alberta’s government has provided unprecedented funding for COVID-19 related expenditures, including treatment, testing and contact tracing, support for self-isolation, masks to Albertans, and funding schools to purchase personal protective equipment. In 2020-21, support for the pandemic response and Alberta’s Recovery Plan totaled $5.1 billion, plus $460 million in capital investments. A further $3.1 billion is budgeted in 2021-22 for economic recovery, and an additional $1.25 billion contingency is provided for the health care system and other crucial areas.

Alberta’s Recovery Plan

Alberta’s Recovery Plan is a framework for restoring economic prosperity and was the first of its kind in the country when it was released in June 2020. As part of the recovery plan, the government is providing strategic support to business sectors including tourism, film and television, aviation and manufacturing. In addition to ministry funding, a contingency of $500 million has been established in 2021-22 to support the recovery effort.

Expense summary

In 2021-22, total expense is increasing by $1.8 billion from 2020-21 actuals. This is because demand for regular government services is starting to pick up again after slowing down as a result of earlier public health restrictions. Total expense remains relatively flat over the next two years as the government returns the focus to efficient delivery of government programs and services.

Table 1. Budget 2021 Operating expense by ministry (billions of dollars – totals may not add due to rounding)