As Canadians anticipate the upcoming federal budget described as “generational,” leaders in Alberta are expressing their expectations for it. Prime Minister Mark Carney has pledged to make significant investments in the country’s economy and infrastructure, emphasizing the need for preparation for potential challenges and sacrifices resulting from the budget.
In both Calgary city hall and the Alberta legislature, infrastructure funding ranks high on the priority list for political leaders. Calgary’s newly inaugurated mayor, Jeromy Farkas, emphasized the importance of continued investment in major transit projects like the Green Line. Additionally, Farkas called for support in public safety measures, highlighting the significance of sentencing and bail reforms recently introduced by Ottawa.
Addressing concerns specific to Alberta, Finance Minister Nate Horner emphasized the necessity for increased infrastructure funding to accommodate the province’s population growth. Horner pointed out the pressure on Alberta’s schools, water, and wastewater infrastructure, urging federal assistance in these areas.
Deborah Yedlin, President and CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, echoed the call for regulatory certainty in the energy sector to support businesses facing delays. Yedlin emphasized the need for regulatory changes to enhance competitiveness, particularly in the context of energy projects.
Looking beyond the energy sector, Yedlin advocated for long-term investments in diversifying the federal economy, highlighting areas such as artificial intelligence, data centers, manufacturing hubs, and small modular reactors. She underlined the importance of a robust energy sector to fund such endeavors.
Mike Holden, Vice President of Policy and Chief Economist at the Business Council of Alberta, urged Ottawa to prioritize resource development, citing Canada’s historical strengths in various sectors. He commended efforts to remove trade barriers and expedite project development.
In addition to economic concerns, there is a focus on social programs in Alberta. Michelle James, Director of Policy at Vibrant Communities Calgary, emphasized the need for sustained or increased investments in poverty reduction initiatives. She highlighted the importance of providing basic needs, access to medication, transportation, and housing for vulnerable populations to bolster Canada’s overall economy.
James also called for more investment in affordable housing solutions for low-income individuals and emphasized the significance of labor market agreements for employment and skills training. She welcomed federal initiatives like the automatic tax-filing system for low-income Canadians and a permanent school food program.
Overall, Alberta leaders and stakeholders are looking to the federal budget to address a range of economic, regulatory, and social challenges facing the province and the country as a whole.