The Alberta government opened the second session of the 31st legislature on Oct. 23 with a Speech from the Throne outlining plans to manage immigration, expand infrastructure and reform the health-care system.
We studied the text to pull out the areas that would interest employers, HR professionals, and business leaders.
Economic and workforce plans
The government said it intends to double the province’s oil and gas production and expand export capacity through new pipelines to Asian, European and U.S. markets. It also pledged to partner with First Nations on pipeline ownership and development, describing the projects as a form of economic reconciliation.
The speech said Alberta is working with other provinces and First Nations to open new trade routes, including a proposal to access the Hudson Bay for oil and gas exports to Europe.
The government also plans to diversify the economy by expanding sectors such as artificial intelligence, aerospace, defence, agriculture, forestry, critical minerals and tourism. Alberta will aim to become “a world leader” in artificial intelligence, using natural gas to power large data centres, the speech said.
Fiscal policy and economic diversification
The province said it will continue to hold spending increases below the combined rate of inflation and population growth, while reviewing all programs and grants to reduce redundancy.
A three-part plan was outlined to reduce reliance on non-renewable resource revenue by 2050. It includes growing the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund to more than $250 billion, maintaining restrained spending, and further diversifying the economy.
Immigration and population growth
The speech said the province will seek more control over immigration policy to restore “a more stable number of primarily economic migrants.” It said recent federal immigration policies had created an “unsustainable level of newcomers” and added pressure on housing, employment and social infrastructure.
The government said it will prioritize Canadian citizens living in Alberta for access to social programs, jobs and economic opportunities created by the province’s growth.
Education and infrastructure investment
The province announced $8.6 billion to open 200,000 new school spaces and plans to hire thousands of teachers and educational assistants over the next three years.
It also outlined major transportation investments, including roadwork on Calgary’s Deerfoot Trail, Edmonton’s Yellowhead, and the twinning of Highways 3, 11 and 63. Funding will also go toward expanding light-rail systems in Calgary and Edmonton and developing a long-term provincial commuter-rail strategy.
The government said it will invest in post-secondary programs focused on the trades, artificial intelligence, health care and other high-demand fields.
Health-care system reforms
The speech reiterated the government’s plan to restructure Alberta’s health system by shifting away from centralized management under Alberta Health Services. It said the province will focus on front-line care, reduce administrative costs and introduce an activity-based funding model for hospitals and surgical centres.
New legislation is planned to allow Albertans and employers to access private diagnostic tests and screening using artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.
The government said it will continue building 11 recovery communities under the Alberta Recovery Model and implement a Compassionate Intervention Program for people struggling with addiction.
Public safety and free speech for regulated professionals
The government said it will continue to increase police staffing levels, modernize court services and focus on community safety.
It also announced plans to introduce legislation strengthening free-speech protections for regulated professionals, such as doctors, lawyers and teachers, to ensure they can express opinions without fear of disciplinary action from their governing bodies.
Sovereignty and federal relations
The speech emphasized Alberta’s goal of maintaining “a strong, free and sovereign Alberta within a united Canada.” It said the province is negotiating with the federal government to gain additional pipeline access and to revise or repeal federal laws that it says have harmed Alberta’s economy.
The government said a panel from its “Alberta Next” town halls will soon make recommendations on steps to strengthen the province’s sovereignty within Canada, including possible referendums on proposed measures.
