Implementing the next phase of Budget 2026

Automobile Insurance Act

Amendments:

• align priority of payments with other auto insurance models across Canada
• clarify health care entitlements related to benefits and accessibility supports
• authorize the Minister of Treasury Board and Finance to
  • develop a Program of Care for the treatment of common traffic injuries
  • establish an electronic data platform
• require insurers to pay interest to claimants, when a review determines an insurer incorrectly denied payment
• close a gap in the system by ensuring that those who break the law by driving uninsured are not eligible for care-first benefits and protections
• modernize and streamline the act by aligning definitions and provisions with related regulations, consolidating expenses and clarifying tribunal authority over benefit disputes
• strengthen administrative and regulatory authorities to set standards, seek court guidance and adjust compensation and benefit limits to reflect market conditions

Insurance Act

Amendments:

• permit terms and conditions to be applied to the licenses of insurance agents, brokers and adjusters, and allow the Alberta Insurance Council to make rules on regulatory matters relating to these professionals, where appropriate
• require insurers, agents, brokers and adjusters to provide clear information about insurance products to consumers when directed to do so by the Minister of Treasury Board and Finance
• update Automobile Insurance Rate Board governance and processes, including removing the consumer representative, aligning terms of office and changing oversight of high-risk driver insurance

Changes support the transition to the Care-First auto insurance model.

Amendments apply a 9% income threshold adjustment to non-deductible income under the Alberta Seniors Benefit, Special Needs Assistance for Seniors and Seniors Home Adaptation and Repair Program (grant portion) to balance fiscal responsibility while ensuring long-term sustainability of seniors’ programs. See the Financial Statutes Amendment Act, 2026 fact sheet for impact numbers.

Amendments:

• establish a clear and accountable framework for Alberta Enterprise Corporation to co-invest alongside the private sector to support strategic investments
• ensure that investments will only be made alongside qualified private-sector lead investors who have conducted independent due diligence and committed their own capital
• permit Alberta Enterprise Corporation to act as a minority partner, not a decision-maker, see the Financial Statutes Amendment Act, 2026 fact sheet for governance information that will align with other agencies

The changes make Alberta a destination of choice for companies to innovate, commercialize, scale and invest. This also supports Alberta’s Technology and Innovation Strategy and a cross-government approach to innovation.

Amendments:

• establish a clear and accountable framework for market-disciplined co-investment by Alberta Innovates to generate returns for Albertans
• authorize investment returns be paid to the General Revenue Fund, ensuring that co-investment benefits flow back to Albertans
• permit Alberta Innovates to act as a minority partner only, with operational limits set by the Lieutenant Governor
• align Alberta Innovates' governance with other Alberta agencies
• formally include intellectual property supports and services in Alberta Innovates’ corporate objects, enabling expanded activities and supporting the delivery of services, including the creation of an Alberta Intellectual Property Office

Changes expand the mandate of Alberta Innovates to enable co-investment in Alberta-based technology companies and make Alberta a destination of choice for companies to innovate, commercialize, scale and invest.