Alberta

Alberta Opens New International Office in Abu Dhabi to Boost Global Partnerships

Alberta Opens New International Office in Abu Dhabi to Boost Global Partnerships

Abu Dhabi (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta is strengthening its global presence with the launch of a new international office in Abu Dhabi, aimed at connecting the province to one of the world’s most dynamic regions for energy, investment, and innovation. Premier Danielle Smith announced the initiative during her visit to the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) 2025, highlighting opportunities across sectors such as energy, agriculture, manufacturing, and emerging technologies. “Alberta isn’t waiting for opportunity; we’re creating it. By opening our office in Abu Dhabi, we’re positioning Alberta at the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic regions…
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Alberta Moves to Strengthen Early Reading and Math Skills Through New Legislation

Alberta Moves to Strengthen Early Reading and Math Skills Through New Legislation

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s government is proposing amendments to the Education Act aimed at helping schools identify and support students with complex learning needs, with a particular focus on reading and math skills. The move comes as classrooms across the province become increasingly diverse, with students facing a range of learning challenges, behavioral differences, and language barriers. By screening students early, the government hopes to ensure children who need extra help receive timely support. Under the proposed legislation, school boards and independent early childhood services (ECS) operators would be required to: Conduct reading and math screenings for all students from…
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Alberta Introduces New Grant to Boost Workforce Skills and Productivity

Alberta Introduces New Grant to Boost Workforce Skills and Productivity

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta is taking a significant step to strengthen its workforce with the launch of the Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant, a three-year, $39-million initiative in partnership with the federal government. The program is designed to help employers and employees access training that enhances productivity, innovation, and competitiveness across the province. Alberta’s economy, recognized for its high productivity, continues to evolve with new technologies and changing market demands. To stay ahead, the province aims to ensure its workforce is equipped with the skills needed for today’s rapidly shifting job landscape. One of the main barriers for employers looking to invest…
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Alberta Celebrates 50 Years of Green Certificate Program, Shaping the Next Generation of Ag Professionals

Alberta Celebrates 50 Years of Green Certificate Program, Shaping the Next Generation of Ag Professionals

Alberta (Rajeev Sharma): For half a century, Alberta’s Green Certificate Program has been nurturing young talent and preparing students for successful careers in agriculture. Established in 1975 as Canada’s first program of its kind, it has provided high school students with hands-on training while allowing them to earn credits toward graduation. The program is designed to equip students with the practical skills, confidence, and knowledge needed to pursue careers in agriculture or further studies in the field. Trainees gain real-world experience working on farms or with agri-businesses, guided by industry experts, and can choose from 11 primary agriculture career paths.…
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Alberta Cancels January 2026 Provincial Exams Amid Strike Recovery; Optional Diploma Writing in April or June

Alberta Cancels January 2026 Provincial Exams Amid Strike Recovery; Optional Diploma Writing in April or June

Alberta (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta government has announced the cancellation of the January 2026 provincial exams, including Grade 9 Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs) and diploma exams, in a bid to allow students and teachers to focus on learning after instructional disruptions caused by the recent teacher strike. Students will have the option to write the January diploma exams later, either in April or June 2026, on a voluntary basis. Those who choose not to participate will have their school-awarded mark recorded as the final official course mark, with a transcript notation indicating that no diploma exam was completed. No Impact…
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Kimberley Goddard, KC, Appointed Justice of the Alberta Court of Justice in Central Region

Kimberley Goddard, KC, Appointed Justice of the Alberta Court of Justice in Central Region

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta government has announced the appointment of Kimberley Goddard, KC, as a justice of the Alberta Court of Justice, Central Region, effective November 17, 2025. Her appointment is part of the province’s ongoing effort to expand judicial capacity and ensure faster access to justice across Alberta. The new appointment comes as Alberta continues to fill vacancies in the judicial system to reduce case delays and strengthen the delivery of justice in civil, criminal, and family matters. Goddard’s extensive legal background and leadership experience within the Crown Prosecution Service are expected to add significant depth to the…
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Alberta to Collect Annual Classroom Data to Tackle Growing Complexity in Schools

Alberta to Collect Annual Classroom Data to Tackle Growing Complexity in Schools

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Facing record student growth and increasing classroom challenges, Alberta’s government has announced a new plan to collect yearly data on class size and composition to help guide education policy and funding decisions. Over the past three years, more than 80,000 new students have joined Alberta’s school system, placing additional strain on teachers and classrooms across the province. To address these pressures, the province will now require school boards to submit detailed information about class sizes and student needs by November 24. The first public report is expected in January, with updates to follow annually. According to the…
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Deepening Cost-of-Living Crisis: Alberta Among the Hardest Hit

Deepening Cost-of-Living Crisis: Alberta Among the Hardest Hit

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Canada is experiencing unprecedented levels of food insecurity, with food bank visits doubling compared to six years ago. According to new national data, nearly 2.2 million visits were recorded in a single month this year  the highest ever reported.Food Banks Canada attributes the surge in demand to rising inflation, escalating housing costs, and wages that fail to keep pace with living expenses. The organization warns that food banks were never intended to replace the social safety net, and many are now struggling to meet the growing demand.The report reveals that one-third of all visits are made by…
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Premier Smith Embarks on Middle East Mission to Promote Alberta’s Energy and Investment Strengths

Premier Smith Embarks on Middle East Mission to Promote Alberta’s Energy and Investment Strengths

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has departed on a 10-day trade and investment mission to the Middle East, where she will highlight Alberta’s leadership in responsible energy production, technology, agriculture, and manufacturing. The trip, spanning Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from October 27 to November 5, aims to position Alberta as a top destination for global investment and collaboration. Strengthening Global Energy and Investment Partnerships While in Saudi Arabia, Premier Smith will hold meetings with government officials, energy executives, and sovereign wealth fund managers, including representatives from Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest oil company. Discussions…
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Alberta Tables ‘Back to School Act’ to End Teachers’ Strike and Restore Classroom Stability

Alberta Tables ‘Back to School Act’ to End Teachers’ Strike and Restore Classroom Stability

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s government has introduced Bill 2, the Back to School Act, a sweeping measure aimed at ending the province-wide teachers’ strike and restoring normalcy to classrooms disrupted for weeks by stalled negotiations. The proposed legislation seeks to legislate a new collective agreement and ensure that students can return to school without further loss of instructional time. Premier Danielle Smith said the province could no longer allow the strike to continue, emphasizing that the prolonged shutdown was harming students’ academic progress and emotional well-being. “This strike has gone on long enough,” Smith said in a statement Monday. “It’s…
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