Alberta Minute: Policy Survey, 2024 Reflections, and a Final Fundraising Appeal

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

This Week In Alberta:

• Happy New Year from all of us at the Alberta Institute! Looking back on the past year, we’re so thankful for the incredible support and encouragement from you - our amazing supporters. Your commitment to our mission and generous contributions have powered our efforts to drive real change across the province. Here’s to another year of making a difference, and all the best in 2025!
  
  
• As we head into the new year, we’re working toward a big goal - raising $50,000 by midnight on December 31st. The exciting part? We’ve got a matching donor, so your gift will go twice as far! If you’re able, please consider contributing to our year-end fundraiser and help us kick off the new year strong.
  
  
• Premier Danielle Smith will attend US President-elect Donald Trump’s second inauguration in January. She has tickets for the event and plans to meet with US energy groups, congresspeople, and officials afterward. This trip comes as a response to Trump’s threats of imposing 25% tariffs on Canadian goods unless Canada and Mexico address illegal immigration and drug smuggling. Smith’s office is also taking steps to enhance border security, with the introduction of a new $29 million patrol team aimed at intercepting illegal crossings. The Premier hopes to use her US visit to strengthen Alberta's relationship with the US and advocate for Alberta oil and gas.

Last Week In Alberta:

• We launched the 2024 edition of our annual Alberta Policy Survey to gather input on the issues that matter most to you. The survey, which takes just five minutes to complete, will help guide our research and policy efforts in the coming months. If you can spare some time, please fill it out before midnight on December 31st.
  
  
• In a year-end interview, Premier Danielle Smith said she is optimistic about the rollout of her government’s health-care reforms, with 2025 expected to demonstrate the impact of restructuring the provincial health system into four new organizations. Beyond health care, Smith highlighted progress on electricity market reforms, and wildfire management. However, she expressed regret over deferring a key tax cut promise, acknowledging public disappointment and hinting at a potential acceleration of the plan.
  
  
• Alberta Health Services' annual Toys for Tickets campaign concluded with over 1,150 toy donations. The initiative allowed individuals to donate new, unopened toys in lieu of paying parking fines at AHS facilities. Since its launch in 2018, the campaign has become a community tradition.

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