Alberta’s government is removing mandatory entry level training (MELT) for Class 2 licensees to help alleviate bus driver shortages while maintaining safety on Alberta roads.
Alberta school boards have reported difficulty hiring and retaining new school bus drivers to provide safe transportation for students. Removing the MELT requirement for Class 2 drivers will make it easier for school boards and bus companies to hire and train drivers, helping to alleviate the ongoing school bus driver shortage.
Drivers must still obtain the S endorsement on their licence if they will be driving a school bus. To obtain the S endorsement, drivers must first complete the school bus driver improvement program. The S endorsement will be added to their licence after they successfully complete the school bus driver improvement program, which consists of classroom training, practical training and knowledge assessments.
“Alberta is an outlier on requiring MELT for Class 2 licences, as no other province or territory in Canada requires it for their bus drivers. Removing this requirement will make it easier for Albertans to obtain their Class 2 licence if they are able to demonstrate the required knowledge and skills during the knowledge and road test.”
Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors
Watch the Press Conference on reducing the school bus driver shortage.
Effective April 23, Class 2 drivers will no longer need to take MELT when seeking their Class 2 licence. School bus drivers will still be required to possess an S endorsement on their licence. Drivers need the correct class of driver’s licence for the type of school bus they will drive. The required class of licence for a school bus is decided by its designed seating capacity.
A new voluntary on-the-job training program for Class 2 and Class 4 school bus drivers will be available by the end of April to support drivers, ensuring they have the skills required to operate a school bus safely. Drivers will get hands-on experience in their work environment using equipment and experiencing real-life scenarios that occur as they do their job.
“Alberta’s student transportation leaders have been asking for this change since 2019. It safely allows us to provide individualized training based on competency instead of a time-based format that does not take existing skills into consideration. I applaud Alberta for listening to our concerns and am excited for the improvements our communities will feel.”
“Alberta School Boards Association has been advocating for adjustments to MELT requirements as it has created hiring and retention challenges, resulting in school bus driver shortages and increased costs. We are pleased to see that school bus drivers will no longer require MELT and that specific training will remain in place to ensure the safety of students.”
Marilyn Dennis, president, Alberta School Boards Association
“The CASS board of directors is pleased that training, specific to transporting students on school buses, will replace MELT as this approach will help address driver shortages while maintaining safety. ”
Scott Morrison, president, College of Alberta School Superintendents
“The Student Transportation Association of Alberta has been asking for changes since the implementation of the MELT program in 2019. This change will allow school divisions and contractors to provide individualized training based on competency instead of a time-based format that did not take existing skills into consideration. I applaud the Alberta government for listening to our concerns and we as an organization are excited to be able to work with all new drivers in providing a targeted training based on their skill level.”
David Shaw, president, Student Transportation Association of Alberta
“The ASBCA expresses its satisfaction with the modifications made to reduce the prescriptive nature of the MELT program. This change will enable contractors to expedite the on-boarding of new drivers and improve the quality of service to families in Alberta.”
Mark Critch, president, Alberta School Bus Contractors’ Association
Transportation and Economic Corridors has also developed a new voluntary on-the-job training grant program for Class 1 drivers. Post-licensing training options will be created for industry by industry in partnership with the Alberta Motor Transport Association. This voluntary training program for licensed Class 1 drivers will be designed to provide participants with job-related skills, knowledge and competencies to meet the full scope of work performed by a commercial truck driver.
Both training programs (Class 1 and Class 2 licensees) will begin this year and are focused on helping alleviate labour shortages in key areas of the commercial driving industry within Alberta.
In March, Alberta’s government introduced regulatory changes to student transportation, adding 33,000 students who are now eligible for government-funded busing services. Alberta’s government is responding to this increased demand for busing services and bus drivers with additional student transportation funding, and by eliminating MELT for Class 2 drivers.
Quick facts
On March 1, 2019, MELT became a new licensing requirement for Class 1 and Class 2 drivers in Alberta
As of March 31, 2022, there were 147,134 Class 1 drivers and 24,699 Class 2 drivers in Alberta.
Alberta is the only province in Canada to mandate MELT for Class 2 licence holders.
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.
Happy Vaisakhi to the Hindus and Sikhs of Red Deer-North and around the world.
Vaisakhi – sometimes spelled “Baisakhi” – is a spring harvest festival. This year, it’s being celebrated on Friday, April 14.
We hope this spring harvest festival brings you joy and prosperity and good fortune to all who celebrate.
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 investing $193 million to create nearly 8,000 new seats in high-demand post-secondary programs across the province.
Alberta continues to be the economic engine of Canada. Alberta’s economy has momentum and the government is focused on even more job creation and diversification. This investment will help ensure students can access the skills and training they need, close to home, to build successful careers and secure Alberta’s future.
The Budget 2023 funding represents Alberta’s single largest investment for a targeted enrolment expansion initiative. This historic investment builds off last year’s success, which saw Alberta’s government create nearly 10,000 new post-secondary seats across the province. This represented the largest targeted seat expansion in Alberta’s history.
“Last year, we announced an investment of $171 million to create 10,000 new spaces at our universities and colleges. Today, we are investing another $111 million to create another 3,000 spaces. This is the largest targeted expansion of seats in Alberta history and will ensure young Albertans can get into the programs they want, right here at home.”
Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Advanced Education
Watch the Press Conference on creating thousands of new post-secondary seats.
This $193-million investment will fund new seats in high-demand programs such as health care, technology and business, with:
$87 million to continue programs announced in 2022 so students can complete their four-year programs.
$10 million over three years to create more than 1,100 new seats for business, technology and other programs at 23 post-secondary institutions across the province.
$6 million over four years to create 120 new seats in Mount Royal University’s bachelor of aviation management program.
$3.6 million over three years in tech talent funding to create 300 new seats at five post-secondary institutions.
$86 million to expand health care training programs with:
$20 million over three years to create 120 new physician seats at the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta.
$44 million over three years to create 1,400 new seats in health-related programs (registered nurses, health care aides, licensed practical nurses, nursing coordinators and supervisors, paramedical occupations and other technicians).
$22 million over three years to create 2,100 additional seats in nurse bridging programs for internationally educated nurses.
“We are committed to growing our health care workforce and ensuring we have the spaces available for Alberta’s students to continue their education. The increase in post-secondary health care training program spaces will help address staffing needs and build a stronger health care system for Albertans.”
Jason Copping, Minister of Health
Programs receiving funding in 2023 are chosen based on workforce needs, learner demand and institutional capacity, among other criteria. Priority sectors being funded include health care, technology and business. Of the new seats receiving funding, more than 3,400 are in health care training programs.
“This investment by the province will help build UCalgary’s capacity to meet the growing demand for high-quality medical education, particularly in areas like family medicine, which will help to address the physician shortage and provide better long-term health care for Albertans.”Ed McCauley, president and vice-chancellor, University of Calgary
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.
New programs receiving Budget 2023 targeted enrolment expansion funding
Program
Dollars
Seats
Calgary
$22,821,963
850
Alberta University of the Arts
Object Design and Fabrication
394,704
66
Ambrose University
Bachelor of Arts (Behavioural Science) Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)
537,599
45
Bow Valley College
Practical Nurse (Online)
736,696
48
Bow Valley College
3D Animation
488,952
25
Bow Valley College
Advanced Visual Effects
466,670
25
Bow Valley College
Advanced Game Development
452,360
25
Mount Royal University
Bachelor of Science in Data Science
$4,035,499
250
SAIT
Primary Care Paramedic
$1,325,568
54
SAIT
Advanced Care Paramedic
$1,606,134
36
SAIT
Business Intelligence: Data Analysis and Reporting
$370,900
90
St. Mary’s University
Master of Education in Catholic Leadership
$230,235
50
University of Calgary
Master of Physician Assistant
$6,845,274
40
University of Calgary
Bachelor of Nursing
$5,331,372
96
Central
$10,537,956
388
Burman University
Bachelor of Business Administration
1,209,280
60
Olds College
Animal Health Technology
$562,326
60
Red Deer Polytechnic
Administrative Professional
$96,031
72
Red Deer Polytechnic
Pharmacy Technician
$551,096
48
Red Deer Polytechnic
Medical Device Technologist
$681,073
60
University of Alberta (Augustana Campus)
Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology
$2,539,652
30
University of Alberta (Augustana Campus)
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
$2,473,076
30
University of Alberta (Augustana Campus)
Master of Science in Physical Therapy
$2,425,422
28
Edmonton
$13,759,475
517
Concordia University of Edmonton
Bachelor of Management
$1,242,299
60
Concordia University of Edmonton
Master of Information System Security Management
$194,762
15
Concordia University of Edmonton
Master of Information System Assurance Management
$194,762
15
MacEwan University
Psychiatric Nursing Diploma
$2,172,041
72
MacEwan University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
$3,048,435
144
NAIT
Advanced Care Paramedic Primary Care Paramedic
$2,308,859
48
NorQuest College
Medical Device Reprocessing Technician
$1,060,197
93
The King’s University
Bachelor of Commerce, Information Systems Concentration
$269,240
30
University of Alberta
Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science
$2,660,400
22
University of Alberta
Master of Science in Public Health
$288,480
6
University of Alberta
Course-Based Master’s Program in Modeling, Data and Predictions
$320,000
12
Northeast
$2,048,665
189
Keyano College
Bachelor of Science Nursing
$738,050
48
Keyano College
Primary Care Paramedic
$435,615
45
Portage College
Paramedicine
$875,000
96
Northwest
$2,420,455
608
Athabasca University
Post-Licensed Practical Nurse Bachelor of Nursing
494,000
60
Athabasca University
Bachelor of Science (Major in Computing and Information Systems)
143,000
360
Northern Lakes College
Post-Licensed Practical Nurse Bachelor of Nursing
$429,090
60
Northwestern Polytechnic
Practical Nurse
$985,777
80
Northwestern Polytechnic
Primary Care Paramedic
$368,587
48
South
$6,101,506
288
Medicine Hat College
Practical Nurse
$2,105,084
96
University of Lethbridge
Bachelor of Nursing (with Lethbridge College)
$1,887,304
57
University of Lethbridge
Bachelor of Science Computer Science
$1,746,276
100
University of Lethbridge
Graduate Certificate in Data Science
$362,842
35
Grand Total
$57,690,019
2,840
The grand total of $57.6 million in the chart above reflects the:
$44 million to create 1,400 new seats in health-related programs.
$10 million to create more than 1,100 new seats for business, technology and other programs.
$3.6 million in tech talent funding to create 300 new seats in technology programs.
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.
The Alberta film and television industry has momentum, and Alberta’s government is helping to make the province a magnet for the job-creating screen-based sector.
In 2020, Alberta’s government launched the Film and Television Tax Credit, causing the province’s film and television industry to grow in size and reputation. Since then, Alberta has attracted 129 productions with a total production value of $1.7 billion. This growth has resulted in approximately 9,000 direct and indirect jobs for Albertans.
To keep this momentum going, Alberta’s government continues to make changes to the program and increase investment in it. One year after the tax credit was launched, the cap was raised, resulting in a doubling of the province’s film and television sector. Now, Alberta’s government is increasing its investment to a total of $335 million over three years to continue attracting the attention and investment dollars of Hollywood.
“Alberta is experiencing exponential growth in our film and television sector, and we are well on our way to becoming a top Canadian jurisdiction for producers from around the world. Since the introduction of the Film and Television Tax Credit, the film and television sector in Alberta has doubled. Productions reach every part of Alberta – big cities, small towns and rural locations – and use local resources, businesses, accommodations and contractors, supporting thousands of jobs.”
Brian Jean, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development
Watch the video on growing the Alberta film and television industry.
As the province’s film and television industry grows, so does the quality and number of Alberta-made productions. To help grow and promote local talent and productions, Alberta’s government is also doubling the funding to the Alberta Made Screen Industries Program. This funding will support local producers and attract productions from around the world to set up shop in Alberta.
“Alberta-made film and television productions showcase Alberta’s unique culture, breathtaking landscapes and stories to audiences across the globe. We are increasing our support to smaller productions because they provide a unique Alberta-made training ground for emerging talent and create local, highly skilled workers in the sector.”
Jason Luan, Minister of Culture
The Film and Television Tax Credit and Alberta Made Screen Industries Program work together to showcase the beauty and diversity of Alberta, create jobs, diversify the economy and support hospitality, service and tourism in the province. These targeted incentives to the film and television industries are helping to ensure Alberta remains the economic engine of Canada for years to come and the next film and television hub.
“The tax credit is central to the success of the industry. This is a competitive industry globally, and here in Alberta we’re fortunate we had the cap removed. Now we can see productions with budgets from $100,000 to well over $100 million. Now that we have a robust production environment, there are more opportunities for people to have well-paying creative jobs.”
Damian Petti, president, I.A.T.S.E. Local 212 Calgary
“The Alberta government has provided supports for the film and television industry that provide certainty. It gives us more flexibility in how we’re moving forward in our film and television work and the way that we’re running our businesses.”
Janet Morhart, COO/co-executive producer, Prairie Dog Film and Television
“Seeing the increase to the Alberta Made Production Grant in the last budget has been fantastic. It will help grow the local industry, which means so much to local performers because that’s where they build their resumés. It allows them to be a working performer, and not take side jobs or a day job somewhere else, and really focus on their craft.”
Tina Alford, branch representative, Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Arts (ACTRA) Alberta
Quick facts
According to Statistics Canada data:
Every $1 million of production activity in the screen-based production sector creates about 13 Alberta jobs.
Every $1 million of government investment under the Film and Television Tax Credit program is expected to support about 85 Alberta jobs.
The film and television industry is experiencing significant growth nationally and globally.
Every year, Alberta graduates more than 3,000 creative industry professionals from its post-secondary institutions.
The production workforce has grown 71 per cent from 2017, or by about 4,000 workers across all positions.
Alberta’s Film and Television Tax Credit supports medium- and large-scale productions with costs over $499,999 through a refundable tax credit on eligible Alberta production and labour costs to corporations that produce films, television series and other eligible screen-based productions.
The Alberta Made Production Grant supports productions with a budget of up to $499,999.
The Alberta Made Screen Industries Program, through the Alberta Made Production Grant, supports smaller productions that do not qualify for the tax credit, covering 25 per cent of eligible Alberta production costs to a maximum of $125,000.
Every $1 investment in the Alberta Made Production Grant program generates an additional $4 in economic return.
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.
Evacuees in Alberta can call the hotline at 1-888-701-1101 from Monday-Friday, 8:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. to help navigate the numerous government supports available to them. Staff will be able to answer calls in English, Ukrainian, or Russian.
As the crisis in Ukraine enters its second year, Alberta’s government continues to support Ukraine evacuees fleeing the war by helping them resettle in the province. As of April 6, over 29,000 Ukrainian evacuees have been welcomed to Alberta.
The set up of the help line is a response to the Premier’s Task Force on Ukraine, which highlighted the need for additional settlement and language supports, housing supports, and streamlined communications to help evacuees in navigate available resources.
The Alberta government has provided significant assistance to Ukraine and its citizens. This includes:
$10 million to Ukrainian World Congress’s Unite with Ukraine campaign for humanitarian aid
$2.2 million for settlement and language services delivered across the province
$1 million to Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, organized by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and the Canada Ukraine Foundation, to help coordinate and deliver humanitarian aid
$5 million to the Ukrainian World Congress to equip 5,000 members of the Ukrainian Territorial Defence Force with defensive equipment
$5 million to the Canada Ukraine Foundation for additional humanitarian aid
$350,000 to the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Alberta Provincial Council for their campaign coordinating the air shipment of first aid and defensive equipment to Ukraine
In November 2022, Alberta’s government announced $12.3 million in additional funding to support newly enrolled Kindergarten to Grade 12 students from Ukraine with language, social and educational supports.
Additionally, measures have been put in place to assist and support Ukrainian newcomers, including:
Enrollment in the health system and health benefits coverage
Coverage for the cost of the immigration medical exam x-ray
Enrollment in Kindergarten to Grade 12 schools
Enrollment in licensed child-care facilities
Providing access to Alberta’s child-care subsidy program
Providing one-time emergency benefits to those with limited income and assets
Providing eligible Ukrainian evacuees temporary financial support for up to six months for basic expenses such as food, clothing and shelter under the Ukrainian Evacuee emergency Financial Supports and Benefits program
Access to Alberta Supports Centres and Contact Centre for information regarding social services (in Ukrainian or through translation services); prioritized service at in-person centres
Access to employment supports
Providing mentorship support under the Alberta Immigrant Mentorship Innovation grant
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.
