Alberta’s government will ensure Indigenous communities and municipalities have the support they need to study what kind of community policing and police service best meets their local needs.
Every Albertan should feel safe and secure in their communities and every community should be able to choose a policing model that meets their needs. Alberta’s government is investing in increased community safety by providing $6 million over two years for Indigenous and Municipal Police Transition Study Grants.
These grants would provide Indigenous communities and municipalities with up to $30,000 each toward an independent study to determine if a local, self-administered police service or a regional policing model would be a better fit for their citizens.
“No one knows a community’s needs better than the people who live there. This funding will empower municipalities to explore different policing models that will improve public safety and address their community’s unique needs.”
Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services
Watch the Press Conference.
The Indigenous and Municipal Police Transition Study Grants were created to assist communities interested in exploring different policing models. The grants will help communities cover the cost of conducting necessary research into local public safety needs, gaps, capital requirements and transition considerations.
To date, Public Safety and Emergency Services has received grant applications from 13 communities that are interested in a different policing model to meet their needs. The department is reviewing these applications and working with these and other communities that have expressed interest in applying.
“This funding provides municipalities with an excellent opportunity to study how best to meet their communities’ local and regional policing needs.”
Cathy Heron, president, Alberta Municipalities
Alberta’s government supports a community’s choice to determine what is best for its citizens, and assisting with the study and development of alternate policing models will help address the government’s public safety concerns. Every community has distinct needs, and each is in the best position to determine which policing model is best for them.
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
Under Alberta’s Police Act, towns and cities with populations greater than 5,000 are responsible for their own policing.
The Police Act gives municipalities the option of having their own police service, forming a regional policing arrangement or contracting for provincial policing services (i.e., the RCMP under Alberta’s provincial police service agreement).
Under an agreement reached in September 2022, the Siksika Nation will get its own self-administered police service. Siksika developed a business case in 2021 with assistance from a $30,000 provincial government grant.
Grande Prairie city council voted in March to create a municipal police service that will take over local policing from the RCMP.
Over the next two years, Alberta will provide Grande Prairie with a $9.7-million grant to establish a local police service.
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 increases support for Indigenous job creators and entrepreneurs by boosting funding to the Aboriginal Business Investment Fund (ABIF) by 50 per cent.
Indigenous community-owned businesses directly benefit their communities by creating jobs, generating revenue and strengthening their local economies. Alberta’s government is reducing barriers faced by these businesses by expanding ABIF to provide capital funding for eligible Indigenous business projects.
“We are proud of what we have accomplished through the Aboriginal Business Investment Fund. Our partnership has helped create hundreds of jobs, and we look forward to building on that success through this year’s budget increase.”Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations
In Budget 2023, Alberta’s government is expanding ABIF by 50 per cent, to $7.5 million from $5 million per year. This equals a total investment of $23 million in Indigenous community-owned business initiatives over the next three years. Additionally, starting April 21, the grant program will accept applications on an ongoing basis to allow more flexibility for grant applicants, giving them more time to work with the Alberta government and improve their application submissions.
Increased funding to ABIF is an important step to keep pace with a growing number of applicants. Since 2014-2015, ABIF has consistently received more eligible applications than its funding could support, meaning some community-owned businesses were unable to secure funding. This funding increase will help more Indigenous community-owned businesses create jobs in their local areas, boosting their economy and building a better future.
“Alberta’s government is committed to partnering with Indigenous communities so that all Albertans can succeed, strengthen local economies and follow their dreams. This investment fund is an important example of how we are fostering collaboration between Indigenous people, industry and government to create jobs and strengthen the economy.”Brian Jean, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development
Alberta’s government has heard from Indigenous communities that one of the most significant barriers they face when it comes to economic development is lack of access to capital funding from traditional financial institutions. ABIF changes that by providing opportunities for Indigenous community-owned businesses to apply for grants that will help drive their economy forward, create jobs and generate revenue for years to come.
“ABIF opened a great door of financial opportunity in that it reduced the amount of money needed from lenders to finance the business. In turn, this made the business attractive to the lenders because their risk was reduced. We are certainly thankful to the Government of Alberta for this funding and ongoing support for our business.”George Addai, CEO, Montana First Nation, Business Arm
One ABIF success story is Montana First Nation’s Green House Project, which benefited from an ABIF grant in 2022-23. It is now positioned to contribute to its local community, and the project created a total of 20 construction jobs and six permanent jobs within its community alone.
“Access to capital is vital for Indigenous Nations and communities to invest in rights, resources and build economies. Programs like the Alberta government’s ABIF help facilitate growth. For financial sovereignty, we need equal access to the same tools others have.”Makiinima, Chief Roy Fox, Kainai Blood Tribe
Alberta’s government remains committed to reconciliation. Indigenous-led solutions that affect meaningful change will lead to a better future for all.
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
Since 2020, ABIF has supported 35 projects that created 378 full-time positions and 254 full-time construction jobs for Indigenous people.
Last year, Indigenous Relations supported 14 Indigenous community projects across the province in sectors from tourism to agriculture and construction to mining and extraction.
Each ABIF grant provides between $150,000 and $750,000. Communities must own and control 51 per cent or more of the proposed project.
This new funding includes $2 million which will be targeted to the Metis Settlements to help community-owned Métis businesses thrive.
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.
Alberta’s government is making it easier for certified professionals from across Canada to work in Alberta and join the booming economy.
Alberta has one of the most competitive economies in North America and Alberta’s government is focused on even more job creation and diversification as the province continues to be the economic engine of Canada. As Alberta continues to attract workers from across the country, it is crucial they can use their credentials in good-paying jobs.
In fall 2021, Alberta’s government passed the Labour Mobility Act so that highly skilled, certified professional workers from across Canada will have a more streamlined process to use their expertise in Alberta. With the act now in force, the government has another tool in its toolbox to
“I am proud of this government’s efforts to ensure that everyone who wants to work in Alberta can use their skills and build rewarding careers. Not only will this legislation help us create jobs and diversify our economy, but it will also strengthen our workforce with the skilled workers Alberta needs.”
Kaycee Madu, Minister of Skilled Trades and Professions
Watch the press conference.
In summer 2022, Alberta’s government launched the Alberta is Calling campaign, targeted at bringing skilled workers and professionals from Toronto and Vancouver to Alberta. Earlier this year, a second phase of the campaign was launched, with a focus on attracting workers from the Maritimes and southeastern Ontario.
The campaigns have been successful: in the third and fourth quarters of 2022, Alberta saw more than 30,000 people move to the province from across Canada, bringing the annual total to more than 45,000 from across the country. This migration also represents the importance of this legislation and the need to ensure that out-of-province, certified professional workers will experience a consistent and transparent approach for timely recognition of skills, education and credentials.
“To maintain Alberta’s economic leadership in Canada, we need to ensure that skilled people arriving in our province can work to their full potential. Alberta is calling, and this change will help new Albertans find their dream job and enjoy the Renewed Alberta Advantage sooner.”
Brian Jean, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development
Economic impact
Studies show that reducing labour mobility barriers could significantly boost Alberta’s and Canada’s economies. The C.D. Howe Institute estimates that reducing labour mobility costs by $500 per person per year could attract about 20,000 additional workers to Alberta and increase the provincial GDP by $2.8 billion.
The Conference Board of Canada estimates that improving Canada’s credential recognition system could potentially increase the annual incomes of the people affected by an average of $15,000 to $20,000, totalling more than $3 billion for those with out-of-province credentials.
“With the high demand for skilled professionals, our business community is thrilled with this legislation – Alberta is calling and now our doors are open.”
Shauna Feth, president and CEO, Alberta Chambers of Commerce
“The Labour Mobility Act is a positive step in reducing accreditation barriers for skilled professionals. While affordability continues to attract new residents, it is critical that we remove red tape for the skilled professions and trades to support the continued construction of housing stock, maintaining the Alberta advantage.”
Scott Fash, executive director, BILD Alberta Association
“Alberta’s labour market is the hottest it has been in years. Employers are looking to hire, but they face ongoing challenges in finding the right people, with the right skills, for the roles available. By reducing barriers and improving mobility and credential recognition across provinces, we can help address these labour shortages as well as make it easier to welcome more people who want to move to Alberta. The Labour Mobility Act is a meaningful positive step in this direction.”
Adam Legge, president, Business Council of Alberta
Quick facts
Between 2019 and 2020, the total number of out-of-province applications in regulated occupations increased by about 20 per cent.
Under the legislation, regulatory bodies need to make registration decisions within 20 business days after receiving a complete application.
In 2020, regulatory organizations reported a processing time of one to 149 days for out-of-province applicants.
This legislation applies to more than 100 regulated occupations in Alberta, including optometrists, lawyers and engineers.
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.
Alberta’s government is strengthening career education programming based on recommendations from the Career Education Task Force.
Preparing Alberta students for careers in the province’s growing and diversifying economy is crucial to fill much-needed positions across the province and further boost the economy. Throughout November and December 2022, the task force travelled across Alberta and heard from students, teachers, education partners and industry leaders to determine how government can help improve access and limit barriers to career education.
Their recommendations included increasing access to off-campus education, reducing financial and accessibility barriers, expanding teacher training opportunities, creating scholarship opportunities and ensuring effective program evaluation. Creating more opportunities for hands-on learning experiences for students while helping to relieve employment pressures for industry will keep Alberta’s economy moving forward for decades to come.
“Alberta’s government is committed to ensuring students have every opportunity to pursue their career interests and succeed in Alberta’s expanding job market. Thanks to the valuable advice of the Career Education Task Force, we have a plan to improve career education that will set students on the path to success, in the workplace and beyond.”
Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Education
Watch the press conference.
“It was an honour and a privilege to be asked to lead such a highly skilled and motivated group of task force members by the minister of Education. The feedback our task force received from various stakeholders regarding career education and how it connects post-secondary and industries was instrumental for the recommendations we provided to the minister. The task force has made recommendations that are relevant and timely which, in combination with a framework, will allow students to discover their career paths in an efficient and meaningful way. This will allow them to realize their full potential in Alberta’s vibrant and diversified economy for years to come.”
Shane Getson, MLA for Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland and chair, Career Education Task Force
The task force’s final report was developed after a comprehensive review of career education programming currently available and engagement with education partners, business and industry partners, and Albertans. The report includes recommendations to strengthen career education programming for students across the province. Alberta’s government will immediately address five recommendations while evaluating the others for future consideration:
Increasing ease of access to off-campus education for all students regardless of where they attend school.
Reviewing dual credit programming to remove financial, accessibility and awareness barriers.
Developing and funding teacher training opportunities for career and technology studies and career and technology foundations programming.
Developing and promoting career education scholarships for students.
Enhancing how career education programming is measured and evaluated.
“Practical hands-on learning is a proven way to increase graduate readiness for the workplace or future education, which is what makes it vital for Alberta’s students. These recommendations will help us create a more modern education system that better reflects the needs of Albertans and helps students develop the skills they need to be successful.”
Kaycee Madu, Minister of Skilled Trades and Professions
“Our government continues to invest in Alberta’s future and create new opportunities for young Albertans. The Career Education Task Force’s work will reduce barriers to learning and help students learn the skills they need to build successful careers.”
Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Advanced Education
“Forecasts confirm that there will be up to 100,000 available skilled trades positions in Alberta over the coming decade. With the Career Education Task Force providing information and supports to younger Albertans, we’re setting up many current students for future success in the other four-year degree skilled trades.”
Brian Jean, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development
Over the coming weeks, Alberta Education will work with education partners and cross-ministry working groups to develop and implement these recommendations. Implementing these recommendations will build on work already being done in Alberta classrooms. Some aspects of career education are addressed through the new K-6 Physical Education and Wellness curriculum. For example, in K-3, students will learn about roles in work situations and how these connect to life and career stages. In grades 4 to 6, students will learn about career experiences and volunteerism.
“We are experiencing rapid change in all sectors of the economy, creating many new opportunities and careers for Albertans. The task force report contains the framework and the recommendations to respond with greater collaboration of stakeholders. We look forward, as businesses and employers, to expanded partnerships, providing hands-on learning for students as they consider pathways to their careers.”
David Price, director, Sunterra Group
“My personal involvement on the task force gave me unique insights into the necessity of quality career education and the opportunities that exist to better meet students’ needs in this area. The report will enhance our focus on this vital area.”
Scott Morrison, president, College of Alberta School Superintendents
“Opening trades training paths for young women in Alberta also opens exceptional careers and related economic security. The Career Education Task Force has identified barriers on those paths that can keep young women from reaching their potential, and I am confident with action that there is a better future ahead.”
Carol Moen, president and CEO, Women Building Futures Society
To address a number of the task force recommendations, the government will be working with CAREERS: The Next Generation on grant funding to support increased participation in off-campus programs and improve internship support and coordination. CAREERS will be engaging with school authorities to collaborate through shared resources to help students access internship placements with employers.
“For the past 25 years, CAREERS: The Next Generation Foundation has been working with schools and industry to provide our youth with career experiences through paid workplace internships. We fully support the recommendations from the Career Education Task Force that provide direction on increasing the opportunity for many more students to participate in work-integrated learning in finding their career passion. Strengthening career education through these recommendations will position Alberta as a leader in preparing the next generation for success.”
Andy Neigel, president, CAREERS: The Next Generation
The final report includes a provincial framework that sets the direction for future career education development and delivery in Alberta. The framework will improve students’ access to practical, foundational learning opportunities that will boost Alberta’s economy. It highlights seven desired outcomes for career education programming, including the simplified delivery of career education and collaborative partnerships that align education and employers.
Quick facts
In November and December 2022, the task force engaged with education partners, business and industry stakeholders and Albertans to understand their unique perspectives and local insights on career education programming.
Career education programming is currently available to students in the K-12 education system, with a strong emphasis on grades 10 to 12. Programming includes five components:
Career and Technology Foundations (CTF), where students in grades 5 to 9 explore their interests by learning about various career possibilities and exploring different occupations.
Career and Technology Studies (CTS), where students take courses to develop practical skills and enhance their employability and/or post-secondary prospects.
Dual Credit, where high school students take courses that help them discover their career interests while earning both high school and post-secondary credits.
Knowledge & Employability Occupational Courses, where students develop employability skills to become active and responsible citizens, achieve their educational and career goals and positively impact their communities.
Off-campus education that enables students to acquire knowledge and skills related to work and other life roles by participating in out-of-class study, observation and/or performance at community-based work sites (volunteer or paid). Off-campus education programs include career internships, Green Certificate Program, Registered Apprenticeship Program, Work Experience, Work Study and Workplace Readiness and Practicum.
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.
Alberta’s government is extending the use of blue lights to improve highway safety for roadside workers and drivers.
In 2022, Alberta’s government initiated a small trial allowing the optional use of flashing blue lights on snowplows, tow trucks and highway maintenance vehicles contracted to the Government of Alberta to increase their visibility and safety while working on Alberta highways.
Based on feedback to Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors from snowplow, tow truck and highway maintenance vehicle operators, Alberta’s government is extending these exemptions for an additional five years. With this extension, these vehicles can continue to display flashing blue and amber lights to show drivers when and where they’re working, improving safety conditions for roadside workers and drivers so they can all return home safely.
“The original pilot projects were brought to increase visibility and improve safety of those working on our highways. We are extending these projects to make sure these important safety measures remain in place so those who work on our highways can go home safely to their families at the end of their shifts.”
Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors
These changes are in addition to new rules under the Traffic Safety Amendment Act, which come into effect Sept. 1, requiring drivers to slow down and move over when passing highway workers.
With the extension of the project, Alberta’s government is continuing to assess whether legislative changes are needed to outline optimal light configurations to improve the visibility and safety of roadside workers.
“I’m pleased to see this announcement from the minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors. The extension of the blue light project will bring increased visibility and improve road safety for everyone in Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills.”
Nathan Cooper, MLA for Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills
“Adding blue lights on tow trucks has been a simple change with a profound benefit. It has improved visibility and safety on the roadside for our province’s essential tow operators and the Albertans they’re responding to. We’re grateful for this five-year extension, which provides ongoing certainty to Alberta’s tow operators as we work towards making this well-proven change a permanent reality.”
Michelle Chimko, president and CEO, Alberta Motor Association
Quick facts
Since December 2019, there have been 17 serious roadside incidents and at least 39 near misses involving Alberta tow trucks and passing vehicles.
Between March 2018 and March 2021, there were 128 collisions involving snowplows contracted by Alberta Transportation.
A recent AMA study indicates that of those who have seen blue flashing lights in use on a tow truck, there was 86.9 percent agreement that they are more visible than amber alone.
The registrar’s exemptions include conditions for users, including:
All flashing lamps must be compliant with the Society of Automotive Engineers standards.
Flashing lamps must be controlled from inside the vehicle cab and vehicles must be equipped with an indicator inside the vehicle that can be seen by the driver to indicate that the flashing lamps are on.
