Alberta Minute: Alcohol Taxes, New Schools, and No Alberta Representation

Alberta Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Alberta politics.

This Week In Alberta:

• Alberta’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) will shift from Alberta Health Services (AHS) to the newly established Acute Care Alberta starting April 1st. The government says the transition aims to improve patient care, enhance efficiency, and support paramedics with better equipment and vehicles. The Province has committed an additional $56 million in funding for EMS and plans to invest $60 million over three years to upgrade emergency response vehicles.
  
  
• Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) is suspending storage fees for US-sourced liquor until June 7th to alleviate the impact of the US trade war. That pause will be retroactive to when the Province announced that there would be no more purchases of US product. While some importers appreciate the relief, they remain concerned about unsellable inventory and unrealistic returns to US suppliers. The industry continues to face challenges from tariffs, including the higher cost of aluminum for craft brewers.
  
  
• Speaking of alcohol, Alberta's new wine tax, set to take effect on April 1st, introduces additional costs on high-value wines priced at $15 per liter or more. The tax adds a percentage based on the price above $15, ranging from 5% to 15%, on top of the existing flat tax. Small wine producers are concerned that these changes will significantly raise prices and harm their businesses, as liquor stores may not be able to absorb the increased costs. In the beer industry, Big Rock Brewery, Alberta's largest craft brewery, says they are facing a 22% tax hike that was introduced in February. Under a new fee structure from AGLC, breweries producing more than 180,000 hectolitres annually will now be charged $1.25 per litre. Previously, breweries could produce more than twice that amount before reaching the $1.25 rate. The new fee structure disproportionately impacts larger producers like Big Rock, which faces an additional $1.4 million in annual taxes.

Last Week In Alberta:

• The Province announced funding for 18 new schools in Calgary and surrounding areas to address rapid population growth. If approved, the projects will create over 14,000 new student spaces, easing pressure on the K-12 education system. The new schools will serve various grades and be located in neighbourhoods like Aspen Woods, Cityscape, Cornerstone, and Mahogany, with several projects also planned for Airdrie, Chestermere, and Walden. In addition to the new schools, the budget includes modernization plans for existing facilities and funding for two public charter school projects.
  
  
• Ottawa and Alberta have finalized a $70-million funding agreement to support homelessness initiatives across the province. The deal, which was initially reached last fall without specific figures, will see each government contribute $35 million over two years. The funding will be used to expand shelter capacity, develop transitional housing, and enhance the navigation centres in Edmonton and Calgary that connect individuals with essential services. Support will also be directed to Red Deer and Lethbridge.
  
  
• Mark Carney was sworn in as Prime Minister, and his newly appointed cabinet does not include any representation from Alberta, despite the province having two Liberal MPs. Carney defended the decision, citing the reduced size of the cabinet, which focuses on national issues, including a trade war with the US. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith criticized the lack of representation and reiterated calls for a general election, expressing concerns about policies damaging to Alberta's economy.

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