The season runs from March 1 until Oct. 31, and Alberta’s government is ready with wildland firefighters, supported airtankers and other specialized equipment.
“As folks look forward to enjoying Alberta’s wonderful outdoor spaces over the months ahead, we’re focused on keeping communities safe,” said Minister of Forestry, Parks and Tourism Todd Loewen.
“Alberta Wildfire has leading-edge firefighting resources positioned across the province, ready to respond to new wildfires as they arise, and continues to test and implement emerging tools and innovation designed to increase our wildfire management capabilities. It’s important that everyone plays an active role preventing wildfires from starting.”
Alberta recorded 1,246 wildfires in 2022. These fires burned 130,858 hectares, and 61 per cent of those fires were human-caused.
The wildfire hazard is highest in spring as a result of seasonal melting leaving fuel like trees and grasses extremely dry and flammable. Wildfires can ignite easily and spread quickly.
It is critical people take care to fully extinguish campfires, frequently check off-highway vehicles (OHVs) for smouldering debris and conduct agriculture burning projects safely.
Fire permits
Fire permits are required during wildfire season for activities like residential, industrial or agricultural debris burning within the Forest Protection Area (FPA).
Permits are free and can be obtained online at firepermits.alberta.ca, for those who live in the FPA. They can also call the local forest area office. Those outside the FPA can contact their municipality to ask about fire permit requirements.
Keeping in the know
Alberta Wildfire‘s online dashboard is the trusted source for real-time wildfire information.
Up-to-date information on fire advisories, restrictions, bands, and OHV restrictions is available at albertafirebans.ca. You can also call 1-866-FYI-FIRE (1-866-394-3473).
To report a wildfire, call 310-FIRE (310-3473) toll-free from anywhere in Alberta.
The Alberta Emergency Alert system will be tested on Wednesday, March 1, 2023.
The emergency alert test will be issued at 1:55 p.m. and distributed over television, radio, websites, social media, the emergency alert mobile app, and directly through compatible cellphones.
Test alerts are issued in May and November nationwide. This year’s alert is being done now to coincide with the official start of wildfire season.
“Tests help us fix any system issues to ensure alerts work when we need them. Tests also provide a valuable opportunity for Albertans to consider their own readiness to respond to an unexpected event like a wildfire,” said Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis in a statement.
“Our top priority is saving lives and protecting Albertans. That’s why I encourage you to download the Alberta Emergency Alert app to receive messages about life-threatening emergencies, such as tornadoes, wildfires, floods or Amber Alerts, directly to your cellphones. When faced with an emergency, always follow instructions from authorities and check for updated alerts.”
Alberta created the first emergency alert system in the country more than 30 years ago. Alerts are issued to provide critical information about urgent situations, where they are happening, and what actions to take in order to stay safe.
Cellphone alerts only work if the receiving cellphone or mobile app is compatible, on the LTE 4G network, turned on and connected to Wi-Fi. Cellphones set to silent will not play the alert tone, but will display the alert.
Albertans and Red Deer-North constituents can visit alberta.ca/beprepared to learn more about how to prepare for an emergency.
More immigrants will be allowed to settle in Alberta in order to address labour shortages.
The federal government is increasing the number of nominations that can be approved under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). The province will be able to admit 9,750 people in 2023 – a substantial increase from 6,500 approved in 2022. That number will further increase to 10,140 in 2024, and 10,849 in 2025 – a move the province believes is a win for the economy.
“Alberta needs more immigrants. We need them to help grow our communities, address labour shortages in key sectors and help continue Alberta’s economic success,” said Minister of Trade, Immigration and Multiculturalism Rajan Sawhney.
“I have lobbied the federal government for many months to receive an increase in Alberta’s nomination numbers, and I am pleased to see that they have listened to my request.”
The province has added 120,000 jobs since 2021, but there are still about 74,140 job openings and a forecasted shortage of 33,100 workers by 2025.
Through the AAIP, people are nominated for permanent residence. Nominees must have the skills to fill job shortages, or plan to buy or start a business in Alberta. They also must prove they can provide for their families.
With opportunities in all sectors and at all skill levels, there are numerous pathways for newcomers to make a strong impact in their new communities and contribute to the province’s economic momentum.
“This significant increase to the number of newcomers Alberta will be able to welcome through the AAIP will be a meaningful positive to our economy and society,” said Adam Legge, president of the Business Council of Alberta.
“Immigration helps Alberta in so many ways, one of which is to help fill critical shortages in high-demand occupations. We’ve called for a major increase in accelerated economic immigration to meet these needs, and we applaud the provincial and federal governments for working together collaboratively to make this happen.”
Pathways include the Alberta Express Entry Stream for those with high-demand skills with Alberta family connections, as well as the Rural Renewal and Rural Entrepreneur streams to attract workers to non-urban areas.
There is also the Accelerated Tech Pathway, Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, and Graduate Entrepreneur Stream. The Responding to the Crisis in Ukraine pathway is also available for Ukrainians impacted by Russia’s invasion.
View the original press release on the Government of Alberta website here.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions or comments can reach out to the local constituency office via the contact page.
“For newcomers, language classes are often their first community experience, and they are a vital step on the road to building a life in Alberta. This boost for Red Deer Public Library’s programs will support more Ukrainian newcomers as they improve their quality of life and their contribution to our society and economy,” said Kaycee Madu, Minister of Skilled Trades and Professions.
Language education is key in helping newcomers make the most of educational and work opportunities and join their new communities. Many Ukrainians are highly educated professionals who could play an important role in addressing Alberta’s need for skilled labour.
“These additional funds will allow us to add seven more classes of 12 to 17 people and to replenish resources used by learners who work one-on-one with their volunteer tutors. More language skills will allow these individuals to settle comfortably, find good employment, help their children with homework, pursue further education or get their credentials recertified,” said Red Deer Public Library’s Adult Literacy Program Manager Alla Mysko-Henke.
The library received $145,176 in funding through the Community Adult Learning Program in 2022-23. About $18 million is provided in grants to more than 80 organizations through the program, supporting learning opportunities such as adult literacy, language classes, numeracy, and digital or life skills.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions or comments can reach out to the local constituency office via the contact page.
Ukrainian refugees will have more support from the Alberta government if Budget 2023 passes.
A total of $27.3 million would be provided, including $7 million in new funding for language and settlement services, and $20.3 million for housing and financial supports for Ukrainian evacuees.
“The Alberta government is steadfast in supporting Ukrainians coming to Canada to avoid Russia’s war machine. Our Alberta government will continue to find ways to support Ukrainians coming to Alberta as long as this war continues,” said Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk, parliamentary secretary for Ukrainian Refugee Settlement in a statement.
About 21,600 Ukrainians have come to Alberta since Russian forces began their invasion of Ukraine one year ago. More are expected to arrive in coming months.
Settlement and language supports
Budget 2023 aims to provide $7 million total over three years for ongoing settlement and language supports.
This means settlement agencies and immigrant-serving organizations will be able to meet increased demand and provide supports necessary for Ukrainian refugees to successfully transition into Alberta communities.
“Ukraine is grateful for the Government of Alberta’s constant and effective support of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in our struggle against unjustified and unprovoked Russian aggression,” said Oleksandr Danyleiko, consul general of Ukraine in Edmonton.
“We are also grateful for the support of Ukrainians who come to the province to escape the horrors of the Russian war, mostly women with children. Many of them have no relatives or friends here and are also very limited in means of living. Such support is important, and we hope to continue fruitful cooperation with the Government of Alberta in this direction.”
Affordable housing and income support
Ukrainian evacuees are also now eligible to apply for the same social housing and rent supplement programs as other Albertans as of Feb. 24, 2023.
Evacuees were not able to apply for Alberta’s Rent Supplement Program previously, due to citizenship, refugee or immigration status requirements.
An additional $9.9 million is earmarked for the program in Budget 2023, bringing the total additional support to $16.7 million.
Budget 2023 also proposes $3.6 million to extend and continue financial benefits through the Ukrainian Evacuee Emergency Financial Support and Benefits program. This would be extended until Jan. 2024, with the six-month maximum duration of benefits removed to ensure benefits are given out based on need.
“With thousands of Ukrainian individuals and families fleeing to Alberta, our government is ensuring support is available for them,” said Jeremy Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services.
“It is important for those leaving Ukraine to know that our government stands with them in solidarity against the tragic war in their home country, and we will show that by supporting those who find refuge in Alberta.”
Red Deer-North constituents with questions or comments can reach out to the constituency office via the contact page.
