Our government is celebrating major accomplishments for Alberta’s economy, energy future, and community supports. Last week, our government helped advance the Pathways CCUS and oilsands growth project, launched a safer regulated online gaming market, and increased support for Albertans experiencing family violence. These will help build safer and more prosperous communities in our province.
Alberta’s government delivered another milestone for our energy sector last week. Our government signed a new agreement with the Government of Canada and the country’s five largest oilsands producers to grow oilsands production while advancing the Pathways project. This is expected to create up to 40,000 jobs across the country and bring billions of dollars in investment to Alberta. This agreement supports our government’s goal of doubling oil production over the next 10 to 15 years and getting more Alberta energy to global markets. This further proves that we can grow energy production and reduce emissions at the same time.
Alberta’s new regulated online gaming market is now live, giving Albertans who choose to gamble online a safer, legal alternative to unregulated websites. The new market puts player safety first, requiring all regulated online gaming operators to provide responsible gambling tools such as spending limits, time limits, and gaming activity statements. Before this new market was introduced, about 70 per cent of online gambling in Alberta happened through unregulated sites – many of which offered weak player protections and little accountability. Alberta’s regulated market creates a safer, more responsible environment for online gaming while holding operators to high standards.
No one experiencing family violence should be left without any options. That is why we are investing an additional $16 million to help shelters and local community organizations help survivors get the supports they need, no matter where they are in Alberta. This funding will support more than emergency shelter beds. It will help local organizations work together to provide crisis support, safety planning, outreach, and other services for women and children experiencing family violence in their own communities. This investment will help shelters like True North in Strathmore and local support organizations provide potentially life-saving support to survivors when they need it most.
Finally, I am pleased to share that as part of the Schools Now program, the new Grades 10-12 public high school in Chelsea, Chestermere, has officially moved from the planning to the design phase. This important milestone supports our government's commitment to creating more student spaces in Alberta's fastest-growing communities.
Alberta’s strength comes from building opportunity while making sure families, workers, and communities have the support they need. Pathways will help create well-paying jobs, attract investment, and position Alberta as an energy superpower. A regulated online gaming market will give players safer options and stronger protections online. More funding for family violence programs will help survivors find safety and support. Together, these investments show that Alberta’s government is focused on protecting what matters: you and your families.
As always, please free to reach out to my office with your feedback and questions at Chestermere.Strathmore@assembly.ab.ca.