News

This week Premier Smith is in Ottawa to join her fellow premiers at the First Ministers Meeting on Healthcare.

Thanks in part to Alberta’s Community Revitalization Levy (CRL) program, Garmin Canada and the Town of Cochrane will see 200 new jobs.

Minister of Justice Tyler Shandro issued the following statement on the federal government’s recent firearms ban action:

A new awareness campaign called Just Like You encourages Albertans to become foster parents and provide loving homes for children and youth in care.

Overdose prevention services in Red Deer will soon transition to a mobile site operated by Alberta Health Services.

Alberta’s government will require post-secondary institutions to provide annual free speech reporting to the minister of Advanced Education.

In recognition of Red Tape Awareness Week, Minister of Infrastructure Nathan Neudorf issued the following statement on the ministry’s red tape reduction achievements: 

Alberta visionaries have been honoured for their leadership, advocacy and hard work in advancing the province’s agriculture and food industry.

Through the Health Care Action Plan (HCAP), Alberta Health Services has launched a new EMS-811 Shared Response program so every Albertan receives appropriate levels of care. 

Alberta’s government is providing more support to help low-income families move through their communities to access jobs, education and health care. 

Alberta’s government is investing $5 million to increase access to specialized supports and services to maintain an inclusive learning environment.

Alberta’s government will protect Edmontonians through a new public safety initiative.

Orders Approved – January 31, 2023.

A new drug treatment court in Fort McMurray will help prevent crime while supporting addiction treatment and recovery. 

Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Dale Nally issued the following statement on the 2023 Canadian Federation of Independent Business Red Tape Report Card:

Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Nate Horner issued the following statement on business risk management options for poultry farmers affected by avian influenza:

Minister of Mental Health and Addiction Nicholas Milliken issued the following statement on Eating Disorders Awareness Week:

Premier Danielle Smith issued this statement recognizing Black History Month: 

Orkin Canada Corporation (Orkin) has pleaded guilty to failing to hold the required registration for pesticide application.

Continued advocacy to the federal government means that Alberta families will have access to thousands more licensed private child-care spaces.

Emergency management experts are meeting for a two-day emergency management exercise that will use a simulated flood scenario to test their response to a major emergency.

Alberta’s government is making good on its promise to reduce red tape by one-third.

Energy Minister Pete Guthrie issued the following statement on January’s energy sector update and the future of Alberta’s energy sector:

Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Dale Nally issued the following statement on Red Tape Awareness Week:

Minister of Technology and Innovation Nate Glubish issued the following statement on Data Privacy Day:

Pre-treatment programs can be a bridge between detox and treatment for people who are pursuing recovery from addiction.

Premier Danielle Smith issued this statement remembering the Holocaust:

Alberta’s government is investing in Edmonton’s downtown to support projects that create an exciting place to live and work. 

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith invites Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to work with her to develop “Sustainable Jobs” legislation as an alternative to the proposed “Just Transition” legislation.

The natural gas rebate and other supports remain in place to help consumers as natural gas rates decline in February.

To help bring more physicians to rural Alberta, Alberta’s government is working to offer physician training in Lethbridge and Grande Prairie. 

Alberta’s government is pausing private passenger vehicle insurance rate increases through to the end of 2023.

Premier Danielle Smith issued the following statement on a defamatory article published by CBC:

Alberta’s government is seeking input on developing hydrogen fuelling stations to help support future low-emission transportation needs.

Alberta’s government has approved a useful tool to help the City of Airdrie further develop its downtown core.

Alberta’s government has built two roundabouts and completed the twinning of Highway 11 south of Sylvan Lake.

Minister of Mental Health and Addiction Nicholas Milliken issued the following statement: 

Alberta’s government is investing in Calgary’s downtown to support a vibrant and safe community and grow economic momentum.

An additional 5,200 students will receive disability funding with new changes to the Grant for Students with Disabilities.

Albertans will have access to thousands more publicly funded orthopedic surgeries at Calgary chartered surgical facilities as part of the Health Care Action Plan (HCAP).

Premier Danielle Smith issued the following statement following the comprehensive review of emails between the Alberta Crown Prosecution Services and Premier’s Office staff:

A comprehensive review of emails has not generated any records of contact between the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service (ACPS) and the Premier’s Office staff.

Premier Danielle Smith issued the following statement on the start of the Lunar New Year:

Albertans should use caution if they receive a text message claiming to be from government about affordability payments.

Albertans are invited to nominate individuals and organizations that have made Alberta’s communities safer. 

Premier Danielle Smith is establishing an expert panel to review the legislation and governance practices used by the Government of Alberta during the management of the COVID-19 public health emergency and to recommend changes necessary to improve government response to future health emergencies. 

The Alberta and Saskatchewan governments and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) are partnering to remove barriers to interprovincial food trade in Lloydminster.

Alberta’s first shipment of children’s liquid acetaminophen has arrived and will be distributed to hospitals across the province immediately.

Alberta’s government is working to attract more newcomers to help grow the economy and address labour shortages in key sectors.

Alberta is ending the practice of holding federal immigration detainees in provincial jails and is calling on the federal government to find better alternatives.

Beginning January 18 at 9 a.m., eligible Alberta parents and seniors can apply to receive $600 in affordability payments over six months.

Alberta’s government is committed to ensuring an ambulance is available to everyone where and when they need it. 

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) has completed its investigations into three separate incidents and released the full reports on each of them.

Alberta has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute to strengthen ties between post-secondary institutions in Alberta and India.

The Federal Court has granted Alberta’s application to intervene in six lawsuits against federal legislation that bans more than 1,500 models of firearms. 

Albertans have a chance to help choose the design of a new water feature for the historic Legislature grounds.

On Wednesday, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith sent the following letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about supplying affordable, sustainable and reliable energy to Japan.

Minister of Justice Tyler Shandro issued the following statement on the federal firearms confiscation program:

The Alberta Sheriffs removed nearly 1,500 impaired drivers from Alberta’s highways in 2022, the first full year since being given expanded authorities.

Monthly $100 affordability payments for families, seniors, and vulnerable Albertans will be released soon, and Albertans can act now to get ready.

Premier Danielle Smith issued this statement on Orthodox Christmas:

Minister of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development Brian Jean issued the following statement about the December 2022 Labour Force Survey from Statistics Canada:

Albertans are encouraged to nominate remarkable citizens, leaders and innovators for membership in the Alberta Order of Excellence.

Minister of Trade, Immigration and Multiculturalism Rajan Sawhney issued the following statement on the anniversary of the birth of Guru Gobind Singh Ji:

On Dec. 25, 2022, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) was directed to investigate an officer-involved shooting earlier that day in Strathmore.

Albertans are invited to share their opinions about their needs, expectations and priorities accessing online government services in an online survey.

Premier Danielle Smith issued this statement celebrating the arrival of 2023:

Premier Danielle Smith issued this statement on Christmas Day:

On Dec. 22, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) was directed to investigate a Calgary police officer-involved shooting that happened the previous day.

Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation continues its momentum after recently backing North America’s largest Indigenous energy partnership.

Robert Rettie has pleaded guilty to one count under the Water Act regarding an incident that occurred between Aug. 31, 2020 and May 26, 2022.

Alberta’s government invested in planning, design and construction work on schools, health care and other public facilities in 2022.

Minister of Mental Health and Addiction Nicholas Milliken issued the following statement: 

President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance Travis Toews and Minister of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development Brian Jean issued the following statement on Alberta’s third-quarter population growth: 

Orders approved – December 21, 2022

Alberta’s natural gas rate remains stable, while electricity rebates and a price ceiling help shield Albertans from high utility prices this winter.

Alberta’s government is supporting the social sector with an additional $26 million this year to address workforce challenges and increasing operational costs.

Modernized regulations will help establish Alberta as a leader in the minerals sector.

A recent breach of several individual accounts is a reminder to always protect your personal information when working online.

Alberta’s government is increasing the tariff rate for legal aid roster lawyers to $125 per hour from $100 per hour effective Jan. 1.

Alberta’s government is introducing a new program to free up ambulances and paramedics to respond to more emergency calls.

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) has completed its investigation into an incident and released the executive director’s full report on it.

On Dec. 13, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) was directed to investigate an RCMP officer-involved shooting that occurred earlier that day in Saddle Lake.

President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance Travis Toews issued the following statement on the provincial fuel tax relief program:

On Nov. 8, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) was directed to investigate an RCMP officer-involved shooting in Elizabeth Metis Settlement that occurred earlier that day.

The Alberta Broadband Fund (ABF) is now accepting applications for its first funding stream.

Alberta’s government is investing in projects that fuel even more economic development and diversification across the province.

Premier Danielle Smith issued this statement celebrating Hanukkah:

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) has completed its investigation into an incident and released the executive director’s full report on it.

Alberta’s 2021 judicial compensation commission is inviting public submissions on compensation levels for Alberta judges.

The Northern Alberta Development Council (NADC) continues to champion actions that are helping build strong and resilient communities in Alberta’s north.

The Calgary Public Safety and Community Response Task Force will address social issues through a coordinated response between the province, city and local partners.

New interchange at Highways 22 and 1A in Cochrane will reduce traffic congestion and improve travel times.

Hundreds of road and bridge projects completed during the 2022 construction season will drastically reduce travel time on Alberta’s busiest roads.

A 25 per cent increase to a program that subsidizes business costs, and changes to other support programs, will help physicians deal with inflation and keep practices open.

Alberta is adding 80 apprenticeship seats at Northwestern Polytechnic so more students can gain job-ready skills to support our economy.

Updates to Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Code will make regulations easier to understand while offering better support for Alberta workers and employers.

Alberta’s attorney general has issued a protocol for dealing with charges related to the federal firearms ban.

The attorney general has directed that jurisdiction over the handling of charges under the federal Firearms Act be taken over by Alberta’s Crown prosecutors.

Orders Approved – December 14, 2022

Alberta’s government is funding new micro-credential training opportunities to help more Albertans develop job-ready skills.

Alberta is providing the first Canadian access to Luxturna, a new gene therapy that treats a rare, inherited retinal dystrophy, which can lead to vision loss.

Alberta’s government has unveiled a plan to drive economic growth and address challenges unique to rural communities.

The Edmonton Public Safety and Community Response Task Force will address social issues through a coordinated response between the province, city and local partners.

Alberta’s government is working to ensure Calgary’s Fish Creek Provincial Park will be enjoyed by Albertans for generations to come.

Minister of Justice Tyler Shandro and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis issued the following statement on Human Rights Day:

Patients receiving cancer care in Calgary are another step closer to receiving that care in a world-class medical centre. 

Energy Minister Pete Guthrie issued the following statement on Alberta’s energy sector at the 2022 Energy Council conference:

Alberta’s government is partnering with Women and Gender Equality Canada to provide crisis support to Albertans who are experiencing gender-based violence.

Alberta’s government is working to ensure police are more accountable and more responsive to the communities they serve.

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) has completed its investigations into five separate incidents and released full reports on each of them.

Orders Approved – December 7, 2022

New legislation has been introduced that would deliver critical broad-based inflation relief to Albertans, with additional targeted cost-of-living supports for families, seniors and vulnerable Albertans. 

Alberta’s government is investing $55 million over three years so that Albertans have more access to affordable housing. 

Government has introduced amendments to Bill 1 that would provide clarity and certainty.

Alberta’s attorney general has introduced legislation that will reduce red tape, increase access to the justice system and allow the Legislative Assembly Security Service to carry firearms. 

On Oct. 9, 2021, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) was directed to investigate an allegation of sexual assault by a Calgary Police Service officer.

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) has completed its investigations into two separate incidents and released the assistant executive director’s full reports on them.

To combat the shortage of children’s pain and fever medicine, the province has secured five million bottles of children’s acetaminophen and ibuprofen for Alberta families.

Population surveys indicate a sharp decline in trees killed by mountain pine beetle for the fourth consecutive year.

Alberta’s government is fulfilling a platform commitment to abolish adverse possession, also known as “squatter’s rights.” 

Alberta’s government is ensuring doctors have stable and predictable funding so they can focus on providing high-quality health care. 

On Dec. 1, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) was directed to investigate an RCMP officer-involved shooting near Maskwacis that occurred earlier that day.

Alberta’s government and its partners are investing in an irrigation expansion project that will position Alberta’s agriculture sector to lead economic growth.

MLA for Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland Shane Getson will attend the 2022 Council of State Governments (CSG) National Conference to strengthen trade ties with U.S. state lawmakers.

Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services Jeremy Nixon issued the following statement on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities:

Three MLAs will advance Alberta’s priorities with United States legislative, government and private sector leaders at an upcoming forum. 

Alberta’s government is funding additional micro-credential programs to help Albertans develop the skills they need to build new careers and secure the province’s future.

Alberta’s government is providing early childhood educators with a one-time payment and wage top-up to help recruit and retain staff. 

Alberta’s government has attracted another job-creating investment to the province by supporting Siwin Foods’ expansion into a new facility.

Minister of Health Jason Copping issued the following statement on World AIDS Day:

Athabasca University’s Board of Governors have unanimously approved a new Investment Management Agreement with Alberta’s government.

Orders Approved – November 30, 2022

Alberta’s government is increasing the total provincial loan guarantee to $150 million for cattle and sheep producers buying and feeding livestock for market.

Construction is set to begin on a new interchange in Leduc that will accelerate the rapid growth happening in and around the Edmonton International Airport trade hub.

On Nov. 29, after Bill 1 was introduced, questions were raised about the extent to which the act will authorize cabinet to amend legislation.

This year, more than 10 million visitors have explored Alberta’s provincial parks, engaged in outdoor recreation opportunities and contributed to local economies.

Alberta’s government has introduced proposed legislation to fight federal laws or policies that negatively affect Alberta’s interests.

Albertans will benefit from efforts to address affordability, increase jobs, strengthen the economy, improve health care and stand up for Alberta’s interests, as outlined in the speech from the throne.

On Nov. 24, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) was directed under the framework agreement with the Yukon government to investigate an officer-involved shooting in Whitehorse.

Alberta’s government is taking action to make life more affordable for families, Albertans with disabilities, seniors and those out of work.

The Alberta legislature will reconvene on Nov. 29 with a slate of legislation geared to addressing the inflation crisis and standing up for Alberta’s interests.

Parliamentary Secretary for Ukrainian Refugee Settlement Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk issued this statement on Ukrainian Genocide (Holodomor) and Famine Memorial Day: 

Alberta’s government is moving forward with plans to twin the important Highway 3 economic corridor between Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

Alberta’s government will expand opioid addiction supports to youth and young adults to support recovery and prevent overdose deaths.

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) has completed its investigations into two separate incidents and released the executive director’s full reports on them.

Minister of Indigenous Relations Rick Wilson and parliamentary secretary for Status of Women Tanya Fir issued the following statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the start of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence: 

Record-setting economic growth in Alberta’s agriculture and agri-food sector has ignited demand for workers across the province. 

Orders Approved – November 24, 2022.

Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba are united in opposing a proposed ban that would affect hundreds of thousands of firearms owners in Western Canada:

Alberta’s government is providing clarity to school authorities to ensure all students continue to have access to in-person learning and family choice.

Alberta’s government continues to build a prosperous economic future for Albertans with an unrelenting focus on fiscal responsibility, job creation and diversification.

Albertans are invited to provide feedback on the province’s protections for buyers of new homes through an online survey.

Minister of Technology and Innovation Nate Glubish issued the following statement in response to the Canadian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association’s third-quarter report:

Alberta’s natural gas rate remains stable for December, with protection in place to shield Albertans from future price spikes.

Alberta’s government is investing an additional $3.5 million towards the New Beginnings Bursary to support 700 more low-income learners.

Minister of Justice Tyler Shandro issued the following statement on a proposed ban that would affect hundreds of thousands of firearms owners:

Alberta’s government is investing more than $15 million over three years to help connect Albertans to local addiction and mental health services.

Alberta’s government is taking immediate action to ensure those in need can put food on their tables.

Minister of Justice Tyler Shandro issued the following statement calling on the federal government to remove the RCMP commissioner:

To help increase patient access to physicians, there will no longer be a daily cap on the number of visits a physician can fully bill.

Minister of Culture Jason Luan issued the following statement on Transgender Day of Remembrance: 

Minister of Mental Health and Addiction Nicholas Milliken issued the following statement on National Addictions Awareness Week: 

Large-scale improvements to Deerfoot Trail will ease congestion on Alberta’s busiest highway.

Immediate actions are rolling out that will lead to faster EMS times, decreased emergency room wait times and reduced surgical wait times for Albertans.

Alberta’s government is standing up for the disability community by expanding the advocate’s office to better meet the needs of Albertans.

Orders Approved – November 16, 2022

The chief medical officer of health, Dr. Mark Joffe, has issued a statement about the increase of respiratory viruses in Alberta:

Alberta’s government is doubling its previous commitment for student mental health pilot projects while also extending funding to close learning gaps.

A final set of mandate letters from Premier Danielle Smith directs government ministers to prioritize access to health care and skilled labour, when and where Albertans need it. 

Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis issued the following statement on the National Public Alerting System test: 

Premier Danielle Smith issued the following statement on the expansion of Calgary's transit projects:

Premier Danielle Smith is instructing ministers to focus on job creation and strengthening Alberta’s economy in a new set of mandate letters.

Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Dale Nally will travel to Texas Nov.16-18 to promote Alberta as a destination of choice for business investment. 

Dr. Mark Joffe is now the chief medical officer of health for the province.

School authorities will receive more than $12 million in additional funding to support newly enrolled students from Ukraine. 

Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services Jeremy Nixon and Minister of Education Adriana LaGrange issued the following statement to recognize Bullying Awareness Week 2022:

Indigenous Relations Minister Rick Wilson issued the following statement to recognize Métis Week, Nov. 13-19:

The Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) fund is helping Alberta’s industrial sector reduce emissions and stay competitive.

Premier Danielle Smith issued this statement honouring all Canadians who have served:

Alberta’s government is awarding more than $32 million in funding support from the Alberta Petrochemical Incentive Program (APIP) for Dow Canada’s expansion of its Fort Saskatchewan ethylene production facility.

Premier Danielle Smith has issued mandate letters to multiple government ministers to take actions to stand up for Albertans and get a better deal for Alberta within Canada.

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) has completed an investigation into a 2020 incident and released the executive director’s full report.

A new task force will identify ways to support Ukrainian evacuees coming to Alberta with their financial, physical and spiritual needs. 

The Governments of Canada and Alberta are investing a combined $2.6 million to connect approximately 300 households in Tsuut’ina Nation.

The provincial government has appointed 10 members from Indigenous communities across Alberta to the Public Security Indigenous Advisory Committee.

Premier Danielle Smith has issued mandate letters to multiple government ministers tasked with addressing the effects of the affordability crisis.

Premier Danielle Smith issued the following statement demanding federal action on affordability:

Alberta has joined the federal government and other provinces and territories in officially endorsing the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) has completed investigations into two separate incidents and released both of the executive director’s full reports.