Our government is taking action on the issues that matter to Albertans. This week, we opened new scholarships for young adults, cut recycling fees by almost 80 per cent, and established a Surface Rights Advisory Panel.
Young adults transitioning out of foster and family-based care deserve the support they need to pursue post-secondary education and build a successful future. Applications are now open for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Scholarship, which will provide $2,000 each to 25 eligible students pursuing post-secondary education. The scholarship is delivered through Alberta’s Advancing Futures Program, which provides financial, social, and emotional support to young adults transitioning from foster care into adulthood while pursuing their education. Alberta’s government is investing $14.2 million in the program each year, helping students focus on their education, develop employable skills, and build independent lives. Eligible students can apply until Aug. 31 at alberta.ca/duke-and-duchess-of-cambridge-scholarship.
One Albertan’s concern was enough to highlight a problem that needed fixing. After a Calgary resident was charged a $2.20 recycling fee on a $4.98 jug of windshield washer fluid, our government found a more affordable way to deal with this. Starting in August, the fee on a four-litre jug will fall to 48 cents – a reduction of almost 80 per cent. Windshield washer fluid, antifreeze, diesel exhaust fluid, and their containers will move into Alberta’s established used oil recycling program. This will keep more plastic out of landfills without leaving Albertans paying unreasonable fees at the checkout. Our government listened, found a practical solution, and acted. That’s good policy in action!
Landowners deserve a fair and timely process when companies need to access their private property for resource development. Our government has established a Surface Rights Advisory Panel to recommend improvements to how disputes are resolved and how landowners’ rights are protected when their land is accessed for development. The panel brings together landowners, farmers, rural municipalities, industry representatives, and surface rights advocates who understand the challenges firsthand. The panel’s advice will also support the government’s work to re-establish the Surface Rights Board. These changes will help landowners better understand what their rights are, how compensation is decided, and what options are available if they disagree with a company operating on their land.
Safe highways depend on responsible trucking companies, qualified drivers, and legitimate training schools. Our government is strengthening enforcement across the commercial trucking industry and removing companies that put the safety of Albertans at risk. Since October 2025, our government has issued 443 administrative penalties to commercial trucking companies and carriers for safety and compliance violations. Our government has also shut down five fraudulent Class 1 driver training schools since April 2025. These actions send a clear message: companies that ignore safety rules won’t be allowed to operate on Alberta roads.
Responsible government listens, reviews, and responds to the needs of Albertans – and our government is doing just that. Together, these actions show that your government is focused on listening to Albertans and delivering practical solutions, supports, and opportunities that help communities thrive.
As always, please free to reach out to my office with your feedback and questions at Chestermere.Strathmore@assembly.ab.ca.