Priorities for Alberta
By Chantelle de Jonge Chestermere-Strathmore MLA
Albertans deserve the confidence that comes with predictable costs, reliable health care, and strong protections for their families. Last week, our government took action to deliver on those priorities by reducing and freezing provincial education property tax rates, building on Alberta’s record health care growth, protecting freedom of expression on campuses and helping students manage the cost of post-secondary education, and strengthening protections for vulnerable children.
Our government is delivering tax relief and making property taxes more predictable for Alberta families and businesses. Starting in 2027, our government plans to reduce the provincial education property tax rates and apply the same rates across Alberta, regardless of where Albertans live. The new rates will be frozen for three years, giving property owners and municipalities greater certainty when planning their budgets. These changes are expected to save Albertans nearly $100 million in 2027-28. Families in communities where the new rate would be higher than their current rate will also receive a one-time tax credit to help with the transition. This means lower property tax costs for many owners while continuing to support Alberta classrooms.
Alberta is leading the country in growing its health care workforce and increasing surgeries. New national data shows that surgeries in Alberta have increased by 15 per cent since 2019, while our province now performs more surgeries per person than the national average. Alberta also has a record 14,661 registered physicians, an increase of 1,244 over the past year, and is leading the country in nursing workforce growth. Building on this progress, our government has introduced new legislation to better protect Albertans receiving care. This legislation would hold care providers accountable and help people facing the most severe addictions access treatment with appropriate safeguards. We remain focused on ensuring Albertans receive safe and reliable care when and where they need it.
Our government is also taking action to protect free expression on campus and help limit tuition increases at post-secondary institutions for students and families. Under proposed legislation, Alberta’s colleges and universities would be required to remain neutral in their official statements on political and social issues outside their educational responsibilities. Students and faculty would remain free to express their own views and debate ideas openly. The legislation would include clearer rules and fair processes to address conduct issues when they arise. It would also regulate maximum tuition amounts for programs, with tuition increases for existing domestic students limited to two per cent in 2027-28.
Alberta’s government is strengthening protections for vulnerable children and helping families stay connected. Proposed legislation would prioritize placing children who cannot safely remain at home with relatives or trusted family friends whenever possible. This would help children maintain important family and cultural connections while finding safe and stable homes. The changes would also give caregivers a greater voice in decisions affecting children and strengthen protections against online sexual exploitation, including grooming and online luring. Every child deserves to grow up feeling safe, supported and connected to the people who know and care for them.
From easing costs for property owners to strengthening health care and protecting students and families, our government is focused on making life better for Albertans. We are delivering solutions today while building a stronger and more prosperous Alberta for tomorrow.
(Chantelle de Jonge is the MLA for Chestermere-Strathmore and the Parliamentary Secretary for Affordability and Utilities)