Alberta Minute: Budget Tabled, Firefighting Funding, and Drug Treatment Centers

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

This Week In Alberta:

• Alberta's 2025-26 budget shows a projected $5.2 billion deficit, influenced by trade tensions, expected tariff impacts, and declining oil prices. The province's unemployment rate is forecast to peak at 7.4% in 2025, with sectors like manufacturing and agriculture facing significant tariff-related risks. A new personal tax cut starts in July too. Read our preliminary review here, and stay tuned for our in-depth analysis!
  
  
• Premier Danielle Smith says that an external reviewer will be appointed to investigate allegations of corruption involving health-care contracts, stemming from a lawsuit by the former CEO of Alberta Health Services (AHS). The lawsuit claims that high-level officials interfered to secure overpriced deals with private contractors. Smith expressed her commitment to identifying and fixing any issues with the procurement process, while Alberta's auditor general is also conducting an investigation. The controversy led to the resignation of Infrastructure Minister Peter Guthrie, and Smith has denied any wrongdoing. Although Smith rejected calls for a public inquiry, she has emphasized AHS's responsibility in negotiating contracts and expanding private surgical facilities.
  
  
• The provincial government is increasing funding for firefighter training by $500,000. This funding will support municipal, Métis, and First Nations fire departments with grants for specialized training and equipment. Additionally, $85,000 has been allocated to the Alberta Fire Chiefs Association to assist municipalities with risk assessments and fire service planning. A Provincial Fire Liaison Committee is also being established to improve collaboration and support for fire services across the province.

Last Week In Alberta:

• The Alberta government has allocated $180 million to build two new drug addiction treatment centres, one in Calgary and another in Edmonton, each with 150 beds. These centres are part of the government's plan to implement the Compassionate Intervention Act, which would allow family members, doctors, or police to request mandatory treatment for individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others. The facilities are expected to begin construction in 2026 and be operational by 2029, offering mental health and addiction support, detox, and therapy services. The new centers are part of Alberta’s broader strategy to address the opioid crisis and improve recovery services across the province.
  
  
• Premier Danielle Smith said her government will be reassessing the Province's pipeline policy following Saskatchewan's announcement that all pipeline permits will be pre-approved. Smith aims to align Alberta's approach with Saskatchewan's policy to enhance domestic energy security and economic growth. Both Premiers have expressed support for pipeline development, backing the Keystone XL project as US President Trump also expressed renewed interest in it.
  
  
• Martin Long has been appointed as Alberta's new infrastructure minister, following the resignation of Peter Guthrie. Long, the MLA for West Yellowhead, expressed his commitment to building infrastructure to support the province's growing population. Guthrie stepped down citing concerns about the government's procurement practices. Despite his resignation, Guthrie remains a member of the United Conservative caucus but no longer holds a cabinet role.

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