What to Expect
The big news this week is the Brooks-Medicine Hat byelection taking place today. Premier Danielle Smith is looking to take her place in the Legislature by facing off against NDP candidate Gwendoline Dirk. The government has been relatively quiet since Cabinet was sworn in as the Premier has been focused on the campaign. If, as expected, Premier Smith wins, you can expect government announcements to pick up. The size and scope of the Premier’s likely victory will drive discussion. In the unlikely event that she does not manage to win, politics in the province will be completely overturned. That eventuality, however, is unlikely.
Internationally, Environment Minister Sonya Savage will be leading Alberta’s delegation to COP27 in Egypt this week with a focus on showcasing the province’s achievements on emissions reductions and responsible resource development.
The Week That Was
Last week, MLA for Livingstone-Macleod Roger Reid announced he will not be seeking re-election. Brad Rutherford, MLA for Leduc-Beaumont, Government Whip, and Minister without Portfolio also announced he would not be seeking re-election.
According to the October 2022 Labour Force Survey, the province has seen an increase of more than 103,000 jobs since this time last year.
The Alberta government has announced the beginning of preparations for Budget 2023. The process will involve public consultations and a continued focus on investment attraction, economic diversification, and job creation.
Community-based coalitions, registered non-profits, Indigenous communities, and youth justice committees will now have access to restorative justice grants. Applications can be submitted until December 2, 2022.
