Inflation relief will be provided to 25,000 additional Albertans living with disabilities.
Affordability payments will now be sent to Albertans enrolled in the Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPPD) benefit, who are not already receiving them through other eligible core support programs.
Their payments will start being delivered in late April and May.
“Throughout Alberta’s disability community, I have heard the need for more access to supports, and that is what we are doing. Our government is committed to helping Albertans, especially those living on fixed incomes,” said Jeremy Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services.
Nearly 1.2 million Albertans have enrolled and been receiving up to $600 in affordability relief payments. This includes Albertans receiving monthly benefits through AISH, Income Support, Alberta Seniors Benefit, or services through Persons with Developmental Disabilities.
In coming weeks, eligible CPPD recipients will receive payments automatically with one-time cheques of up to $600 mailed directly to them. No application is necessary.
The cheques will cover months between January and June 2023, providing payments for the duration of the affordability payment program.
“As an Albertan living with a disability, and as a recipient of CPP-Disability supports, it is nice to see the provincial government listening to our advocacy and adapting this program for those that need it,” said Zinovia McQuitty, CPPD recipient in a release.
Quick facts on inflation relief for Albertans with disabilities
CPPD beneficiaries are under 65, mainly low income, and experience severe and prolonged disability.
There are an estimated 41,000 CPPD recipients in Alberta. Approximately 25,000 were not previously eligible for the affordability payment program under other criteria.
To be eligible for a lump sum affordability payment, CPPD recipients must have a total adjusted household income in 2021 of less than $180,000.
Alberta’s government will use data from the Canadian Revenue Agency to identify and enrol eligible CPPD recipients for payments.
To find out if they are eligible, CPPD recipients can contact the Alberta affordability program contact centre at 1-844-644-9955
Alberta’s Affordability Action Plan includes monthly affordability payments of up to $600 over six months to families with children under 18, seniors and Albertans on AISH, Income Support and PDD.
As of March 31, 1,198,956 Albertans are receiving payments, either through automatic enrolment or successfully applying online.
Total number of Albertans enrolled automatically (AISH, IS, PDD, ASB): 295,278
Total dollars delivered to Albertans as of March 31: $348,490,550
Eligible Albertans have until June 30 to apply and will receive retroactive payments for the months they were eligible.
Eligible Albertans can apply through an online portal or at any registry agent or Alberta Supports office.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
Agriculture sustainability will be supported through the new Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
In Alberta, the partnership represents $508 million in funding over five years that will provide grants to programs that support the needs of Alberta’s agriculture and agri-food sector.
Alberta’s programs will aim to create new jobs and spur growth in the agriculture sector by supporting added processing competitiveness, attracting new investment and expanding irrigation capacity that will boost crop production.
“The new Sustainable CAP provides flexibility to deliver programs that will help producers grow their business and improve productivity while addressing the unique challenges of farming in Alberta. Alberta’s producers are among the best in the world when it comes to sustainable practices, and we will continue to support their efforts to feed the world while protecting the environment for generations to come.”
– Nate Horner, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation
“The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is an ambitious way forward while we collaborate to ensure economic, environmental and social success for the sector. This historic investment will help producers and processors in Alberta to innovate, to grow, to prosper and to be competitive.”
Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
The programs will also continue protecting plant and animal health and animal welfare, managing risks to Alberta’s natural resources and investing in producer-led agriculture research.
Producers also have access to an enhanced suite of business risk management programs to help them manage significant risks that threaten the viability of their farms and are beyond their capacity to manage.
In total, the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments that supports Canada’s agri-food and agri-products sectors. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5-billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
Compared with the current partnership, which expires at the end of the month, there is a $500-million increase in cost-shared funding. Half of this additional funding will help develop and implement the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program, which will support carbon sequestration, and protect grasslands and wetlands on agricultural lands.
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership comes into effect April 1 and replaces the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP).
Quick facts
Sustainable CAP represents the fifth pan-Canadian agreement on agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products policy. It replaces CAP (2018-2023), Growing Forward 2 (2013-2018), Growing Forward (2008-2013) and the Agriculture Policy Framework (2003-2008).
On March 6, the federal government announced that applications are being accepted for federal programs under Sustainable CAP that will take effect on April 1.
The Sustainable CAP framework provides flexibility for Alberta to develop and deliver programs that are aligned with the needs of Alberta’s agriculture and agri-food sector and Government of Alberta priorities. Programs will align with five priority areas:
building sector capacity, growth and competitiveness
climate change and environmental protection
science, research and innovation
market development and trade
resiliency and public trust
Learn more on the Government of Alberta website here.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
Regional economic development will see a boost in funding from the Alberta government through the Budget 2023.
The province is more than doubling its support for the nine regional economic development alliances (REDAs) in the province. This includes the Central Alberta Economic Partnership (CAEP) which Red Deer belongs to.
Through this $1.125-million commitment, each REDA can rely on stable $125,000 funding to increase their efforts to support economic growth and diversification throughout Alberta.
“Nobody knows their local economy better than REDAs, which bring awareness of provincial and municipal initiatives. Each area has its own specific needs and goals, and this additional support will increase their ability to develop local solutions to economic needs while supporting the improvements that their region needs.”
Brian Jean, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development
REDAs are independent, non-profit organizations made up of member municipalities and regional stakeholders that work together to promote long-term economic development and prosperity. The additional funding will support their work to develop tailored and targeted solutions to their area’s economic requirements. These may take the form of investment attraction, industry diversification, labour attraction and retention, and strategic economic development planning.
“Providing rural communities with the support they need to overcome economic barriers and reach their full potential is a priority for Alberta’s government. Increasing funding for REDAs means municipal leaders and local businesses will have a greater capacity to attract investment, grow our rural economy and solve local challenges.”
Nate Horner, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation
The additional funding to REDAs supports actions under the Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan, including building capacity for rural economic development interconnectivity at the regional level. For example, the Palliser Economic Partnership REDA in southeastern Alberta has supported the development of investment-ready agricultural projects. The Central Alberta Economic Partnership REDA has commissioned a workforce development strategy to strengthen the economy in central Alberta.
“Central Alberta municipalities are very excited to receive this much-needed increase in funding. Often smaller communities in rural Alberta lack the resources to support economic attractions and growth. These funds will help to grow economic development in a sustainable manner and further support our region.”
James Carpenter, chair, Central Alberta Economic Partnership
“We are very pleased that the Government of Alberta is supporting the regional economic development alliances in rural Alberta. By working closely with the Government of Alberta, we can address the barriers facing economic development in rural Alberta and enhance our regions for increased investment. We look forward to highlighting our rural municipalities, First Nations and Metis Settlements as excellent places to invest and grow our economy.”
Tim MacPhee, mayor, Town of Vegreville and board member, Northeast Alberta Information Hub
“Being from the most northern community in Alberta and longtime chair of the REDA here, I have experienced first-hand the important role these associations play within their communities. The REDAs are in tune with their communities and able to respond to the diversity that makes up this province. I truly believe that REDAs play a key role in the viability of rural communities and are the backbone of their economic development.”
Lisa Wardley, councillor, Mackenzie County and chair, Regional Economic Development Initiative Northwest Alberta
Budget 2023 secures Alberta’s future by transforming the health-care system to meet people’s needs, supporting Albertans with the high cost of living, keeping our communities safe and driving the economy with more jobs, quality education and continued diversification.
Quick facts
The $1.125 million to REDAs in Budget 2023 represents an increase of $675,000 from previous years, when they received a total of $450,000 per year.
There are nine REDAs located across Alberta:
Alberta Southwest Regional Alliance
Includes communities in southwestern Alberta such as Crowsnest Pass, Cardston, Fort Macleod, Pincher Creek and Nanton
Battle River Alliance for Economic Development
Includes communities in east-central Alberta such as Hardisty, Camrose, Tofield, Wainwright and Provost
Central Alberta Economic Partnership
Includes communities in central Alberta such as Red Deer, Wetaskwin, Lacombe, Sundre and Rocky Mountain House
Grizzly Regional Economic Alliance Society
Includes communities in north-central Alberta such as Barrhead County, Westlock, Mayerthorpe, Clyde and Wabamun
Northeast Alberta Information Hub
Includes communities in northeastern Alberta such as Vegreville, Lloydminster, Bonnyville, Cold Lake and Lamont
Palliser Economic Partnership
Includes communities in southeastern Alberta such as Medicine Hat, Hanna, Oyen, Redcliff and Consort
Peace Region Economic Development Alliance
Includes communities in northwestern Alberta such as Peace River, Grande Prairie County, Fairview, Valleyview and Sexsmith
Regional Economic Development Initiative for Northwest Alberta
Includes communities in northwestern Alberta such as High Level, La Crete, Fort Vermilion, Mackenzie County and Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement
SouthGrow Regional Initiative
Includes communities in south-central Alberta such as Lethbridge County, Cardston, Blood Tribe, Claresholm, Vulcan and Taber
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
Canadian beef restrictions are being lifted in Japan – which is good news for Albertan producers.
The Canadian federal government says Japan is removing barriers put up in 2003 to allow for the sale of beef patties. The barriers were put up after a case of Mad Cow disease – bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) – was discovered in the province.
“Our government will always stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our ranchers and processors who export the finest and most sustainable products around the world,” said federal Minister of Agriculture Marie-Claude Bibeau in a statement.
“This is another big step in our trade relationship with Japan, a trusted partner in the Indo-Pacific.”
The Canada-Alberta BSE Surveillance Program was instrumental in Japan deciding to remove restrictions on the sale of Canadian beef.
In 2022, the Japanese market for Canadian beef and beef products had an estimated value of $518 million. Japan is Canada’s third largest market for agriculture and food, and Statistics Canada reports beef exports to all countries in 2022 was over $4.6 billion.
Japan’s 38.5 per cent tariff on beef imports – including ground beef patties and other primary processed products – will decrease to 23.35 per cent on April 1, 2023. By 2033, it will go down to nine per cent. Tarrifs on other processed beef products will be reduced even more and eliminated altogether in some cases.
Alberta is Canada’s largest beef producing province.
“Cattle producers are grateful for the removal of trade barriers for processed beef in Japan, our second-largest export market for beef,” said President of the Canadian Cattle Association Nathan Phinney.
“Our industry will continue to support global food security by providing some of the most sustainable and highest quality beef in the world. We look forward to continuing to work with the Government of Canada to further remove remaining trade barriers and expanding our trade capacity in the Indo-Pacific region.”
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
Opportunities for youth in skilled trades will be supported by the Alberta government.
Through Budget 2023, the province is investing in $30.4 million over three years in CAREERS: The Next Generation and Skills Canada Alberta to support their efforts to empower youth to build rewarding careers in the skilled trades.
“Investing in the proven and complementary programs of CAREERS: The Next Generation and Skills Canada Alberta will help our youth discover engaging, high-demand careers that deliver an excellent quality of life and will keep our economic momentum going strong,” said Minister of Skilled Trades and Professions Kaycee Madu.
The apprenticeship learning model is a valuable form of work-integrated learning and a proven way to increase graduate readiness for the workplace.
Through targeted support for apprenticeship education, Alberta is helping students develop job-ready skills while strengthening the talent pipeline for business and industry.
Watch the press conference.
A total of $23.5 million will go towards CAREERS: The Next Generation. A not-for-profit foundation, CAREERS connects high school students partaking in the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) with employers. The organization also promotes apprenticeship education options for young Albertans.
Skills Canada Alberta, a not-for-profit perhaps best known for leading participation in the Skills Canada competition, will receive $6.9 million over three years. The organization creates opportunities for young Albertans to explore careers in trades and technology.
In 2022, CAREERS connected 372 schools with 1,344 employers to arrange 2,430 internships for high school students interested in a career in the skilled trades. Skills Canada Alberta works with about 19,000 students in 200 Alberta communities annually.
“We are excited for Alberta’s youth in this year’s budget announcement. Enabling our next generation to discover their career passion and become productive, motivated and innovative participants in the workplace is critically important to Alberta’s economic success,” said CAREERS President and CEO Andy Neigel.
Skills Canada Alberta Board President Ray Massey extended a ‘profound thank you’ to the government and their support of young people in trades and technologies.
“Their success is good for our province. Their success makes Alberta prosperous. This continuation of funding allows us to provide a platform for students who are about to begin their education and career journey with the experience and skill development that only our competitions can provide them,” Massey said.
To learn more about support being given to these organizations, read the original press release on the Government of Alberta website.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
Budget 2023 secures Alberta’s future by transforming the health-care system to meet people’s needs, supporting Albertans with the high cost of living, keeping our communities safe and driving the economy with more jobs, quality education and continued diversification.
