Our government continues to secure major wins for Albertans. Last week, Alberta took a significant step towards long-term economic growth with the groundbreaking of the new Yellowhead Pipeline, welcomed a legal victory against Ottawa’s No New Pipelines legislation, recorded the strongest job growth in Canada, and expanded support for rural internet connectivity. Together, these investments help secure Alberta’s position as the leader in economic growth across the country.
The $2.9-billion Yellowhead Pipeline project will add more than one billion cubic feet per day of natural gas transportation capacity in our province. This project will ensure Alberta’s petrochemicals, manufacturing, hydrogen, and power generation sectors have the reliable energy they need to grow and create opportunities for future generations. Construction of the 235-kilometre natural gas pipeline, along with a new compressor station, a west interconnect station near Peers, and an east control station near Fort Saskatchewan, will support around 2,000 jobs. The project will enable more than $20 billion worth of investment in Alberta. Our government will continue supporting responsible infrastructure development that creates jobs, drives economic growth, and builds lasting prosperity for Albertans.
Our government welcomes the Alberta Court of Appeal’s decision on Ottawa’s Impact Assessment Act, also known as the federal No New Pipelines law. The ruling reinforces Alberta’s position that Ottawa should not stand in the way of responsible resource development, investment, and job creation. We will continue advocating for Alberta’s right to develop its natural resources and strengthen our economy right here at home.
Alberta continues to stand apart nationally as the land of opportunity, adding nearly 26,000 full-time jobs over the past month, while Canada lost 68,000 jobs. Unemployment in Alberta dropped below the national average, while the youth unemployment rate fell by 2.8 per cent, reaching its lowest level in almost three years. These numbers are a direct result of our government’s policies that support investment and economic prosperity. Since Danielle Smith became Premier, the province has added more than 300,000 jobs, representing a 13 per cent increase in total employment. Our government is helping keep Alberta the economic engine of the country by attracting investment and supporting job creation across the province.
Our government has committed $365 million as part of the $755-million joint federal-provincial investment to improve broadband internet access across Alberta. As part of that commitment, Albertans living in some of the most remote and rural communities can now apply for up to $1,000 through the Alberta Satellite Rebate Program to help cover the cost of satellite internet service while broadband projects are being completed. Better internet access means stronger connections to education, health care, jobs, and economic opportunities. Nearly 10,000 Alberta households are eligible for this program, and Albertans who believe they qualify can request a review through the program’s online portal. Applications are open until March 31, 2027, at alberta.ca/alberta-satellite-rebate-program.
Our government is reopening a registration program that allows eligible ranchers to register historic water use on public land. Many Alberta ranchers have relied on these water sources for decades to raise livestock and support their operations. Following concerns from ranchers about errors and missing information in some historic registrations, our government worked with the Alberta Grazing Leaseholders Association to review the system. That review identified cases where water use that may have qualified for registration had not been properly recorded. Reopening the program will give eligible ranchers another opportunity to have those water uses recognized, providing greater certainty for their operations and helping ensure water resources are managed responsibly. Applications will be accepted until Dec. 31, 2028. Approximately 6,800 registrations may be eligible for review, while more than 34,000 are already registered.
Securing major economic wins for Alberta means better-paying jobs for Albertans, stronger internet connectivity for rural communities, and better services across our province. Our government remains committed to building a stronger and more prosperous Alberta for generations to come.