This Week
Pushing back on federal government’s labelling of plastic: Premier Danielle Smith and Minister of Environment and Protected Areas Rebecca Schulz released a joint statement after the Federal Court of Canada sided with Alberta. The court ruled that the federal Liberal government’s decision to list plastics as toxic was unreasonable and unconstitutional. In September 2022, former Premier Jason Kenney announced that Alberta would be joining the fight, filing a notice to the Federal Court that Alberta was filing submissions supporting an industry challenge against the federal government. Premier Smith and Minister Schulz emphasised the importance of Canada’s largest petrochemical sector which is in Alberta. Read the full statement here.
Tourism industry recovery: Alberta’s tourism spending has returned to pre-pandemic levels. In 2022, tourism spending amounted to $10.7 billion – a $600 million increase from 2019. The recovery is two years ahead of the schedule outlined in The Bootstrap Plan, Travel Alberta’s three-year tourism strategy.
Increasing high-speed internet in rural Alberta: Minister Nate Glubish announced a pilot program for satellite internet in underserved areas in rural Alberta. Eligible Albertans in the County of Forty Mile, the County of Warner No. 5, and Cardston can order Starlink equipment and receive a rebate up to $1,000. This is part of the Alberta Government’s plan to reach full internet connectivity across the province by 2027. Eligible households and businesses have until March 31, 2024, to apply to be part of the program.
Expanding emergency services in Edmonton: Health Minister Adriana LaGrange announced the opening of the new emergency department at Misericordia Community Hospital in Edmonton. The $85 million project began in 2020 when it was first announced under former Health Minister Tyler Shandro. The new space will increase capacity by three times, reducing wait times, and accommodating about 60,000 patient visits per year.
Increasing accessible transportation for seniors: The Government of Alberta announced an investment of $1.1 million for seniors in Edson, Fox Creek, Oyen, Sundre, and the Municipal District of Smoky River. The investment ensures that seniors can depend on accessible transportation with more frequent trips, expanded routes for out-of-town services, and additional vehicles to enhance transportation options. In early 2024, community-based organizations, Family and Community Support Services offices, and municipalities can participate in the next phase of the project by submitting expressions of interest. This phase aims to support up to 20 programs across Alberta. Information on accessing funding will be provided on the Healthy Aging Alberta website.
Minister Nally in Texas: Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Dale Nally attended the 2023 North American Blockchain Summit in Texas to speak with industry leaders and government officials. The trip aimed to attract blockchain technology companies to invest in Alberta.
What’s Next
Legislature: The legislature has risen for break week. It will resume on Monday, November 20.
Announcements
- Promoting Alberta investment in Texas
- New year-round shelter in Slave Lake
- New sheriff team established in Southern Alberta
- Venture capital Q3 investment: Minister Glubish
- Rainbow Lake now connected like never before
- Accessible transportation for seniors
- Recognizing Alberta’s sport community
- Expanding emergency department services in Edmonton
- Piloting Starlink in rural Alberta
- Federal Court ruling on plastics: Premier Smith and Minister Schulz
- Tourism spending recovers two years ahead of schedule
- Creating partnerships to support Alberta trails
Key Resources