Alberta’s government is investing $5 million to strengthen midwifery services and bring high-quality pregnancy, birth and postpartum care closer to home. The Alberta Midwifery Strategy Grant provides up to $750,000 to projects that expand access to midwifery care across the province, with a focus on meeting the needs of rural, remote and Indigenous communities.
“Families should not have to travel far to access trusted maternal care. These grants will help grow Alberta’s midwifery workforce, bring midwifery services to more communities and give families greater choice in how and where they receive care.”
This funding is part of a three-year, $10-million investment to implement the Alberta Midwifery Strategy. As demand for midwifery services continues to grow, Alberta’s government is expanding access and giving families more options for maternal care. Midwives provide clinical and emotional support throughout pregnancy, labour, birth and the postpartum period. They build trusted relationships with families, monitor and manage pregnancy risks, and connect with additional care when needed.
“The provincial Midwifery Strategy Grant program has allowed the Alberta Association of Midwives to meaningfully support and invest in equitable midwifery and professional growth. We are grateful for the opportunity and encourage continued investment in midwifery to build strong and sustainable access to vital health care for families in Alberta.”
Applications for the Alberta Midwifery Strategy Grant are open until Oct. 6, 2026. To be eligible, organizations must propose projects that advance or strengthen midwifery services in Alberta. Funding may be used to recruit and support midwives, expand culturally appropriate services, improve data collection and reporting, and better integrate midwifery services into Alberta’s team-based primary care system.
“Kihew Awasis Wakamik Cultural Society has established the Kiciy Ohkamamow Iskotew mentorship, which returns traditional practices of care and kinship to Indigenous communities. Learners are mentored by Elders, experienced Aunties and registered midwives. Thanks to funding from the Alberta government, they can now obtain the necessary credentials and education to become second birth attendants.”
Quick facts
- Through the Alberta Midwifery Strategy Grant, Alberta’s government has invested $5 million to support eight projects that expand access to maternal care.
- Midwifery is a publicly funded health service in Alberta for women with low-risk pregnancies, providing care during pregnancy, labour, birth and the first six weeks after delivery.
- There are 192 midwives registered in Alberta.
- Midwives are regulated by the College of Midwives of Alberta under the Health Professions Act.
- To practise in Alberta, midwives must complete formal midwifery education and pass written and practical examinations.
Related information
Related news
- Advancing midwifery access in Alberta (Feb. 13, 2025)