This Week
Increasing immigration to Alberta: Alberta’s growing economy has resulted in about 100,000 job vacancies that need to be filled. As a result, Alberta has advocated with the federal government to increase the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program. This past week, Alberta learned it would see a significant increase in nominations from 6,500 in 2022, to 9,750 nominations in 2023.
Alberta attracted $729 million in 2022: Alberta’s technology and innovation sector broke records for the fourth year in a row. In 2022, the province attracted $729 million in investments. This is a 30% increase over 2021, and it represents a sharp contrast to Canada which experienced a nearly 30% decline.
$2 billion to improve primary health care: Following the recommendations of three advisory panels, Budget 2023 proposes $2 billion to improve primary health care. Primary health care includes family doctors, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and public health nurses.
$27.3 million to help Ukrainian evacuees: Budget 2023 is expanding support to Ukrainian evacuees. If passed, the Budget would allocate $7 million for language and settlement services and $20.3 million for housing and financial support. Since the conflict began 12 months ago, about 21,600 Ukrainians have arrived in Alberta. Premier Smith and MLA Armstrong-Homeniuk also released a statement on the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
What’s Next
Legislature: The Legislature is scheduled to return on February 28. Budget 2023 will be delivered on the same day.
Promoting energy initiatives in Korea: Minister Brian Jean and Minister Rajan Sawhney will travel to South Korea to promote Alberta’s responsible energy industry.
Announcements
- Standing up to campus gender-based violence
- Record investment in Alberta’s primary health care
- Building stronger Alberta communities
- Supporting displaced Ukrainian students
- International experts focus on recovery in Alberta
- Alberta continues to smash investment records
- Natural gas rates decline in March
- Alberta funds community policing in Grande Prairie
- Setting up Indigenous communities for success
- Rehabilitating problematic oil and gas sites: Statement from Premier Smith
- Auditor general reports: Minister Copping
- More language programs for Ukrainian newcomers
- Alberta invests in modern health solutions
- Increasing immigration a win for the economy
- Anniversary of Ukraine invasion: Joint statement
- Expanding supports for Ukrainian evacuees
- Update on Alberta’s energy sector: Minister Guthrie
- Stopping violence against Indigenous women
- Provinces urge agency to reconsider pesticide ruling
- Promoting responsible energy initiatives in Korea
Key Resources