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Alberta

Education Minister Adriana LaGrange announces nearly 25,000 new and upgraded spaces for students

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Investing in new schools, modernized spaces

Alberta’s government is investing $2.3 billion over the next three years, for new and modernized classrooms.

Budget 2023 supports 58 projects, which includes 13 full construction projects, 20 design, 14 planning and 11 pre-planning projects. In total, there will be nearly 25,000 new and additional spaces for students across Alberta – 9,400 new spaces and more than 15,500 student upgraded spaces. This includes approximately 4,500 new and upgraded spaces in Calgary, 4,100 in Edmonton and 16,300 for the rest of the province.

“Alberta’s young learners are the community and business leaders of tomorrow. They need the right spaces to gain the tools and skills needed to prepare for their bright futures. By investing in our schools, we’re investing in our students while at the same time creating more jobs and supporting the local economy.”

Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Education

This investment in education infrastructure includes:

  • $372 million for construction and design projects:
    • 10 new schools
    • 16 replacement schools
    • seven modernizations
  • $4 million to support planning activities such as site analysis and scope development for 14 projects
  • $1 million to pre-plan 11 conceptual projects that are anticipated to become high-priority needs for school jurisdictions
  • $1 billion to continue work on previously announced projects
  • $300 million over three years in school authority self-directed capital projects
  • $279 million to support the maintenance and renewal of existing school buildings through the Capital Maintenance and Renewal Program
  • $171 million to support public charter school infrastructure, including investment for a charter hub in Calgary
  • $43 million to fund facility upgrades for successful collegiate school applicants
  • $93 million for the modular classroom program to address urgent space needs across the province

“The Alberta government is investing in critical infrastructure projects that include upgrading and building high-quality schools to ensure Albertans can send their children to schools in their local communities. Our focus is on ensuring these projects are delivered on time, on budget and where they’re needed.”

Nathan Neudorf, Minister of Infrastructure

The availability of suitable sites has been one of the biggest roadblocks causing delays to school projects. That’s why, through Budget 2023, Alberta’s government is creating a new School Planning Program that will serve as a transparent “pipeline” for upcoming school projects to begin as soon as formal construction funding is approved. Fourteen school projects will begin planning and site development through this new program while a further 11 projects will receive pre-planning funding to assist with developing scope options.

The planning program will allow for the further development of project scope and site investigation work. It will also help to clarify potential risks and identify mitigating strategies and costs. The goal is to provide school boards with the resources they need to remove barriers and better position the project for design consideration and construction approval in future budget cycles, which is expected to reduce costs and minimize schedule disruptions and delays.

“The Calgary Catholic Board of Trustees is grateful for the capital projects announced for the Calgary Catholic School District, which includes full funding for the K-9 school in Nolan Hill to serve this rapidly growing community. We anticipate receiving the full construction funding for the Rangeview high school and Chestermere K-9 school as soon as possible, after the design process is completed. These projects need urgent attention given the critical need for school infrastructure and CCSD’s high utilization rate in these communities. CCSD appreciates the pre-planning commitment towards the construction of the K-9 school in Redstone, the addition/enhancement of Bishop McNally High School and the construction of a new west-end high school.”

Cathie Williams, board chair, Calgary Catholic School District

“On behalf of CBE students and their families, we thank the Government of Alberta for the capital plan announcement. These extraordinary and timely investments in infrastructure are vital to support student learning opportunities within our system.”

Laura Hack, board chair, Calgary Board of Education

“This is an exciting day for Elk Island Public Schools, for the community and especially for students of both École Campbelltown and Sherwood Heights Junior High. A modern, well-equipped and efficient building will allow us to continue to offer the quality education students need to succeed in the classroom and will help ease the growth pressures we are facing in Sherwood Park.”

Trina Boymook, board chair, Elk Island Public Schools

Quick facts:

  • Full construction funding activities include construction and post-occupancy review.
  • Design funding activities include the preparation of construction tender documents such as drawings and specifications.
  • Planning funding activities include site analysis and scope development activities.
  • Pre-planning funding allows a conceptual project to define scope elements, programming priorities and includes activities such as community engagement.
  • To support the decision-making process for delivering infrastructure projects, the Ministry of Infrastructure passed the Infrastructure Accountability Act in December 2021. This act outlines how the province prioritizes projects for the annual capital plan.
  • As legislated by the act, the government also published Building Forward: Alberta’s 20-Year Strategic Capital Plan in December 2021, providing a blueprint for long-term infrastructure investment and development in Alberta.
  • The government’s budget decisions are made in accordance with the act and are guided by the strategic capital plan to ensure future capital investments benefit Albertans.
  • Government partners, such as municipalities and school boards, will also be able to plan for capital funding knowing the long-term direction of government.

Budget 2023 school projects – full construction funding (13):

Community School division Project type/Name
Airdrie Conseil scolaire FrancoSud new secondary school
Calgary Calgary Board of Education modernization of John G. Diefenbaker High School
Calgary Calgary Roman Catholic Separate School Division new K-9 school in Nolan Hill
Edmonton Conseil scolaire Centre-Nord solution for École Michaëlle-Jean and École Gabrielle-Roy
Edmonton Edmonton Public School Board new K-9 school in Edgemont
Lethbridge Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Separate School Division new K-6 school in west Lethbridge
Lethbridge Conseil scolaire FrancoSud École La Vérendrye gym project
Okotoks Christ the Redeemer Catholic Separate School Division replacement of École Good Shepherd School
Penhold Chinook’s Edge School Division replacement of Penhold Elementary School
Raymond Westwind School Division new high school
Sherwood Park Elk Island School Division solution for Sherwood Park
Valleyview Northern Gateway School Division solution for Valleyview
Waskatenau Lakeland Roman Catholic Separate School Division replacement of Holy Family
Catholic School

Budget 2023 school projects – design funding (20):

Community School division Project type/Name
Airdrie Rocky View School Division new K-8 school in southwest Airdrie
Barrhead Pembina Hills School Division modernization and rightsizing of Barrhead Composite High School
Blackfalds Red Deer Catholic Separate School Division new K-5 school
Bow Island / Burdett Prairie Rose School Division solution for Bow Island and Burdett
Breton Wild Rose School Division modernization and rightsizing of Breton High School and demolition of Breton Elementary School
Brooks Grasslands School Division replacement of Brooks Junior High School
Chestermere Calgary Roman Catholic Separate School Division new K-9 school
Calgary Calgary Roman Catholic Separate School Division new high school in Rangeview
Edmonton Edmonton Catholic Separate School Division solution for Rundle Heights
Edmonton Edmonton Public School Board new junior/senior high school in Glenridding Heights
Fort McMurray Conseil scolaire Centre-Nord replacement of K-12 École Boréale
Lac La Biche Northern Lights School Division replacement of Vera M. Welsh School
Leduc Black Gold School Division modernization of École Corinthia Park School
Mallaig St. Paul School Division replacement of École Mallaig School
Medicine Hat Medicine Hat Roman Catholic Separate School Division replacement of St. Francis Xavier School
Nanton Livingstone Range School Division solution for Nanton
Red Earth Creek Peace River School Division replacement of Red Earth Creek School
Spruce Grove Parkland School Division replacement of Spruce Grove Composite High School
Taber Horizon School Division modernization of the W.R. Myers and D.A. Ferguson schools
Wainwright Buffalo Trail School Division replacement of Wainwright School

Budget 2023 – School Planning Program projects (14):

Community School division Project type/Name
Airdrie Rocky View School Division new grades 9-12 school
Calgary Calgary Board of Education modernization of Annie Gale School
Calgary Calgary Board of Education new high school in Cornerstone
Coalhurst Palliser School Division modernization of Coalhurst High School
Donnelly High Prairie School Division G. P. Vanier School
Edmonton Edmonton Catholic Separate School Division new K-9 school in Heritage Valley Cavanagh
Edmonton Edmonton Public School Board new K-6 school in Rosenthal
Edmonton Edmonton Public School Board new elementary school in Glenridding Heights
Fort McMurray Fort McMurray School Division modernization of Westwood Community High School
Grande Prairie Peace Wapiti School Division new high school north of Grande Prairie
Lethbridge Lethbridge School Division modernization of Galbraith Elementary School
Okotoks Foothills School Division new high school
Stettler Clearview School Division modernization and addition at Stettler Middle School
Strathmore Golden Hills School Division replacement of Westmount School

Budget 2023 – Pre-Planning Program projects (11):

Community School division Project type/Name
Calgary Calgary Board of Education modernization of A.E. Cross School
Calgary Calgary Board of Education modernization of Sir John A. Macdonald School
Calgary Calgary Board of Education new Saddle Ridge middle school
Calgary Calgary Roman Catholic Separate School Division new elementary school in Redstone
Calgary Calgary Roman Catholic Separate School Division addition at Bishop McNally High School
Calgary Calgary Roman Catholic Separate School Division new west Calgary high school
Chestermere Rocky View School Division new K-9 school
Cochrane Rocky View School Division new K-5/K-8
Edmonton Edmonton Catholic Separate School Division new north K-9 school
Edmonton Edmonton Public School Division new junior high school in Pilot Sound/McConachie
Red Deer Red Deer Public Schools new northeast middle school

Alberta

Alberta’s fiscal update projects budget surplus, but fiscal fortunes could quickly turn

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From the Fraser Institute

By Tegan Hill

According to the recent mid-year update tabled Thursday, the Smith government projects a $4.6 billion surplus in 2024/25, up from the $2.9 billion surplus projected just a few months ago. Despite the good news, Premier Smith must reduce spending to avoid budget deficits.

The fiscal update projects resource revenue of $20.3 billion in 2024/25. Today’s relatively high—but very volatile—resource revenue (including oil and gas royalties) is helping finance today’s spending and maintain a balanced budget. But it will not last forever.

For perspective, in just the last decade the Alberta government’s annual resource revenue has been as low as $2.8 billion (2015/16) and as high as $25.2 billion (2022/23).

And while the resource revenue rollercoaster is currently in Alberta’s favor, Finance Minister Nate Horner acknowledges that “risks are on the rise” as oil prices have dropped considerably and forecasters are projecting downward pressure on prices—all of which impacts resource revenue.

In fact, the government’s own estimates show a $1 change in oil prices results in an estimated $630 million revenue swing. So while the Smith government plans to maintain a surplus in 2024/25, a small change in oil prices could quickly plunge Alberta back into deficit. Premier Smith has warned that her government may fall into a budget deficit this fiscal year.

This should come as no surprise. Alberta’s been on the resource revenue rollercoaster for decades. Successive governments have increased spending during the good times of high resource revenue, but failed to rein in spending when resource revenues fell.

Previous research has shown that, in Alberta, a $1 increase in resource revenue is associated with an estimated 56-cent increase in program spending the following fiscal year (on a per-person, inflation-adjusted basis). However, a decline in resource revenue is not similarly associated with a reduction in program spending. This pattern has led to historically high levels of government spending—and budget deficits—even in more recent years.

Consider this: If this fiscal year the Smith government received an average level of resource revenue (based on levels over the last 10 years), it would receive approximately $13,000 per Albertan. Yet the government plans to spend nearly $15,000 per Albertan this fiscal year (after adjusting for inflation). That’s a huge gap of roughly $2,000—and it means the government is continuing to take big risks with the provincial budget.

Of course, if the government falls back into deficit there are implications for everyday Albertans.

When the government runs a deficit, it accumulates debt, which Albertans must pay to service. In 2024/25, the government’s debt interest payments will cost each Albertan nearly $650. That’s largely because, despite running surpluses over the last few years, Albertans are still paying for debt accumulated during the most recent string of deficits from 2008/09 to 2020/21 (excluding 2014/15), which only ended when the government enjoyed an unexpected windfall in resource revenue in 2021/22.

According to Thursday’s mid-year fiscal update, Alberta’s finances continue to be at risk. To avoid deficits, the Smith government should meaningfully reduce spending so that it’s aligned with more reliable, stable levels of revenue.

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Alberta

Premier Smith says Auto Insurance reforms may still result in a publicly owned system

Published on

Better, faster, more affordable auto insurance

Alberta’s government is introducing a new auto insurance system that will provide better and faster services to Albertans while reducing auto insurance premiums.

After hearing from more than 16,000 Albertans through an online survey about their priorities for auto insurance policies, Alberta’s government is introducing a new privately delivered, care-focused auto insurance system.

Right now, insurance in the province is not affordable or care focused. Despite high premiums, Albertans injured in collisions do not get the timely medical care and income support they need in a system that is complex to navigate. When fully implemented, Alberta’s new auto insurance system will deliver better and faster care for those involved in collisions, and Albertans will see cost savings up to $400 per year.

“Albertans have been clear they need an auto insurance system that provides better, faster care and is more affordable. When it’s implemented, our new privately delivered, care-centred insurance system will put the focus on Albertans’ recovery, providing more effective support and will deliver lower rates.”

Danielle Smith, Premier

“High auto insurance rates put strain on Albertans. By shifting to a system that offers improved benefits and support, we are providing better and faster care to Albertans, with lower costs.”

Nate Horner, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance

Albertans who suffer injuries due to a collision currently wait months for a simple claim to be resolved and can wait years for claims related to more serious and life-changing injuries to addressed. Additionally, the medical and financial benefits they receive often expire before they’re fully recovered.

Under the new system, Albertans who suffer catastrophic injuries will receive treatment and care for the rest of their lives. Those who sustain serious injuries will receive treatment until they are fully recovered. These changes mirror and build upon the Saskatchewan insurance model, where at-fault drivers can be sued for pain and suffering damages if they are convicted of a criminal offence, such as impaired driving or dangerous driving, or conviction of certain offenses under the Traffic Safety Act.

Work on this new auto insurance system will require legislation in the spring of 2025. In order to reconfigure auto insurance policies for 3.4 million Albertans, auto insurance companies need time to create and implement the new system. Alberta’s government expects the new system to be fully implemented by January 2027.

In the interim, starting in January 2025, the good driver rate cap will be adjusted to a 7.5% increase due to high legal costs, increasing vehicle damage repair costs and natural disaster costs. This protects good drivers from significant rate increases while ensuring that auto insurance providers remain financially viable in Alberta.

Albertans have been clear that they still want premiums to be based on risk. Bad drivers will continue to pay higher premiums than good drivers.

By providing significantly enhanced medical, rehabilitation and income support benefits, this system supports Albertans injured in collisions while reducing the impact of litigation costs on the amount that Albertans pay for their insurance.

“Keeping more money in Albertans’ pockets is one of the best ways to address the rising cost of living. This shift to a care-first automobile insurance system will do just that by helping lower premiums for people across the province.”

Nathan Neudorf, Minister of Affordability and Utilities

Quick facts

  • Alberta’s government commissioned two auto insurance reports, which showed that legal fees and litigation costs tied to the province’s current system significantly increase premiums.
  • A 2023 report by MNP shows
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