This Week
Budget 2024: Yesterday, the Government of Alberta released its 2024 Budget. Under the title “A Responsible Plan for a Growing Province,” the budget from Alberta’s United Conservative is a balanced budget with a $367 million surplus and a focus on long-term stability. It includes key commitments in health and skills training.
Our team at Wellington Advocacy has pulled together an overview document that covers the Budget’s highlights and main considerations. If you have further questions, our Wellington team is here to help.
Legislature resumes: On Wednesday, the Alberta Legislature reconvened. Government House Leader, Joseph Schow, said the government would work to grow the economy, protect law-abiding Albertans, improve health care, and defend the province from federal overreach. The spring legislative session is scheduled to continue until the end of May.
Renewable energy project pause lifts: Last fall, the government introduced a short pause on final approvals for large renewable energy projects. The pause allowed for the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) to conduct an inquiry and issue a report. That pause lifted yesterday, and the government announced new policies so investors, municipalities, and landowners have consistent rules for responsible land development. The framework includes protecting Class 1 and 2 agricultural lands, making developers responsible for reclamation costs, creating a buffer zone around protected areas and other “pristine viewscapes”, engaging on renewable development on Crown lands, and granting municipalities the right to participate in AUC hearings. Changes to Alberta’s Transmission Regulation are expected in the coming months. You can watch Premier Smith and Minister Neudorf’s announcement at this link.
Payments for child-care providers: More than 2,300 child-care providers will receive advance payments to help them offer reliable services. The funding follows challenges child-care providers have had with receiving funds from the federal government in a timely manner. Starting March 1, child-care providers will receive about 80% of their monthly claim at the beginning of each month.
What’s Next
Legislature: The Legislature will return on Monday, March 11. The legislative calendar for 2024 can be found here.
Announcements
- Welcoming the hockey world to Alberta
- Funding boost fuels school nutrition programs
- Repairing and renewing housing for those in need
- Refuge remediation for Peace River women’s shelter
- Investing in a new Stollery Children’s Hospital
- Welcoming the next generation of Special Olympians
- Readout: Landmark meeting with Confederacy of Treaty Six
- Alberta legislature assembles for spring session
- Renewed path forward for renewable energy
- Orders in Council
- Deep learning about deep learning
- Budget 2024: Maintaining Alberta’s economic advantage
- Budget 2024: Investing in safe, welcoming communities
- Budget 2024: Putting Albertans and Alberta families first
- Budget 2024: A responsible plan for a growing province
- Delivering promised payments to child-care providers
- New schools in Alberta’s growing communities
- Taking wildfire operations to new heights
- Moving forward with regulation of Alberta counsellors
Key Resources