Giving Albertans control

By Chantelle de Jonge Chestermere-Strathmore MLA

Our government is focused on giving Albertans more control over the choices they make, and stronger protection and support when they need it most. This week, Ottawa scrapped the federal electric vehicle mandate our government fought from the start. We’re also investing $5.5 million to combat human trafficking and expanding services that help families work through difficult challenges early.

Ottawa’s electric vehicle mandate is gone, and Albertans will continue to be able to choose the vehicle that meets their needs and budgets. Alberta’s government identified the EV mandate as one of the nine bad federal laws and policies hurting Albertans and warned that it would restrict consumer choice while placing added pressure on the electricity grid without the investments to support it. This is an enormous win for Albertans and follows progress on several other federal laws and policies our government has challenged and won, including the oil and gas emissions cap.

Our government is taking strong action to combat human trafficking and help Albertans affected by it. Alberta’s government is investing $5.5 million to help prevent human trafficking and help survivors rebuild their lives. Nearly $2.7 million of that funding will support organizations already delivering critical services to survivors, including safe housing. Another $2.8 million is allocated for projects that help Albertans escape trafficking and raise public awareness across the province. Since 2023-24, our government has provided $11.3 million to organizations fighting human trafficking, helping ensure victims and survivors have access to safe housing and immediate medical care. By supporting organizations on the frontlines, we’re ensuring that survivors can escape safely and rebuild their lives.

Alberta families deserve access to parenting, child and youth development, and mental health supports before a challenge turns into a crisis. That’s why our government is investing another $3.2 million through Family Resource Networks programs, bringing annual funding across the province to $66.7 million. These programs offer free services for parents, caregivers, and children to strengthen relationships, navigate difficult situations, and access help closer to home. Services include parenting programs, child and youth development activities, and short-term mental health assistance. In 2024-25 alone, about 52,400 caregivers and 76,500 children and youth used Family Resource Network services. By boosting early intervention supports, we’re helping families build confidence and reconnect with each other.

From pushing back against federal overreach, to protecting vulnerable Albertans from human trafficking and investing in early family supports, these actions reflect a common goal: ensuring Albertans have the freedom to make their own choices and access the help they need when they need it. Together, they show that our government is focused on delivering results that put Albertans first. 

As always, please free to reach out to my office with your feedback and questions (Chestermere.Strathmore@assembly.ab.ca).

(Chantelle de Jonge is the MLA for Chestermere-Strathmore and the Parliamentary Secretary for Affordability and Utilities)