Strengthening Alberta’s economy

By Chantelle de Jonge Chestermere-Strathmore MLA

Alberta’s government continues to deliver practical solutions that strengthen Alberta’s economy, support growing communities, and protect the services families rely on. Through Budget 2026 and new policy initiatives, we’re focusing on what matters most to Albertans: strengthening our energy sector, building important infrastructure, and ensuring our province remains one of the best places in Canada to live, work, and raise a family.

Our government continues to take important steps to speed up major project approvals and unlock Alberta’s economic potential. A newly-inked agreement between Alberta and the federal government will streamline environmental and impact assessments, reduce duplication, and ensure provincial expertise leads reviews on projects within Alberta’s jurisdiction. By cutting unnecessary red tape while maintaining strong environmental standards, this agreement will help major projects move forward faster, giving investors certainty and helping get shovels in the ground sooner so more jobs and economic opportunities are created for Albertans.

Investing in infrastructure that keeps people and goods moving remains another key priority for our government. Budget 2026 invests more than $8.3 billion over three years to expand highways, improve bridges, and reduce road congestion across the province. This includes $2.8 billion for major road and bridge construction projects and $3.3 billion in capital grants to municipalities, supporting vital projects in both the greater Calgary and Edmonton regions while strengthening key rural economic corridors.

Major transportation upgrades are moving ahead across our constituency, including work along Highway 1 between Strathmore and Calgary, such as engineering for the Conrich/Garden Road interchange, as well as engineering for future interchanges at Chestermere High School (Highway 791), and near the future de Havilland Field site. In addition, $16 million of funding is secured for the Glenmore Trail-Rainbow Road intersection, upgrading Glenmore Trail intersections at Range Roads 283 and 284 starting this year.

Additional investments include intersection upgrades at Highways 9 and 564 with an estimated $8 million roundabout. The area is also benefiting from $5 million for the Langdon–Glenmore Trail Stormwater Diversion project and more than $10 million in municipal grants for local improvements.

Further transportation work includes design progress on Highway 817 between Highway 1 and Strathmore North and lighting upgrades at the Highway 817/564 intersection. In Wheatland County, over $7.8 million is being invested in key road projects, including Township Roads 2250 and 222 and Range Road 264.

These investments will improve safety, shorten commute times, and support the infrastructure that people in our growing constituency depend on every day.

These actions demonstrate how Alberta’s government is delivering practical results for Albertans. By strengthening energy partnerships, investing in infrastructure, and building new schools, our government is ensuring Alberta continues to grow while protecting the services and opportunities families depend on for generations to come.

As always, please feel 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)