Alberta This Week (Your Voice For Choice)
November 29 - December 5, 2025
This is YOUR resource - Share any links here on social media to educate others! - “Your Voice For Choice.” Welcome to your Non-Partisan Information Source of Alberta News - Mainly, we collect the news from around the province, Canada, and the world that affects Alberta!
(If you have a picture you would like to share for our newsletter, please send it to abresistance2027@gmail.com with your name. It helps differentiate it from the other newsletters.
Waiting for the next scandal to hit Alberta!
UCP AGM
They have passed resolutions on banning late-term abortion,
Resolution 2 received large cheers from the crowd when it was introduced. It calls for the repeal of what it describes as the government’s no-fault insurance legislation, though the province prefers to characterize it as “care-first” and notes it still allows for legal action in certain circumstances.
Resolution 3 seeks to allow only government flags to be flown on provincial and municipal government buildings.
Resolution 9 renews the familiar pitch to replace the Canada Pension Plan with an equivalent or better provincial plan.
Resolution 28 called for the abolishment of adding fluoride to public water supplies, which is done by some municipalities to improve oral health.
Resolution 15 calls for permitting “the use of clean coal in Alberta as a source of electricity” as a means of cheaper electricity.
Resolution 4 notes the province’s culture that “embodies personal responsibility and self-sufficiency” in calling for requiring temporary residents, visitors, undocumented individuals, and unsuccessful asylum seekers to pay out of pocket for access to provincially-funded healthcare and social benefits.
Vaccinations: prohibiting vaccination status from being used as a condition of employment, and ensuring MRNA products are not being injected into livestock or food sources
Churches: Declaring all places of worship and their outreach as essential services
Guns: Advocating for provincial jurisdiction over ownership and use of firearms
BREAKING: Premier @ABDanielleSmith announces she will seek to ban all provincial/municipal entities, including police, from enforcing or prosecuting gun owners under the Liberal gun grab.
Smith also unveiled a ‘castle law’ to bar police from charging citizens
This has been a busy week at the Legislature and in the news. You make a difference. There are rumblings that they are going to revise the Recall Legislation. They are also putting through bills that will adversely affect Albertans. You need to make your voice heard along with your fellow Albertans. Standing together, change will happen. Please know you are not alone; they just want us to think they have all the power. They don’t; the people who elected them do. Your voice matters; you matter. Let’s do this together.
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WE have heard there is some confusion about our purpose. We are here to help Albertans recall their MLAs if they are not acting in your best interests. Here is a slide show that outlines how recalls work. ABResistance.ca Recalls As part of our process, we started sharing information through our newsletters and research articles, as well as building community.
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Upcoming Events: See our short three-page ABR Resistor for Updates about upcoming events ABR Resistor Update December 5, 2025
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Links for Health Information:
Measles Tracker - We now have the highest number of Measles Cases in the world, and to think it was almost eradicated 50 years ago. Thanks in part to Alberta, Canada has lost its Measles Eradication Status. https://www.alberta.ca/measles We are up to 1981 cases (up 8 from last week) so far in Alberta. This is the highest per capita measles count in all of North America (possibly the world). Unfortunately, we have more measles cases.
Last year, 700,000 Albertans got the COVID-19 vaccine. This year, the Alberta Government chose to order 30% less and received 430,000 vaccines, then they are charging $100/vaccine.
Drug stores are administering COVID vaccines for an Alberta government administrative fee of $100 + a dispensing fee.
Here is a map you can check for availability.
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Info for flu and RSV vaccines at pharmacies.
Respiratory Dashboard - Here is a link to Alberta’s respiratory virus dashboard - including RSV, Flu, and COVID-19 cases. (Last updated Nov 22, 2025) 5 flu and 4 COVID, and 2 RSV patients in the ICU.
COVID-19, RSV, and Flu wastewater testing: Check out the major population areas in Alberta here: COVID TRACKER
Canada COVID Tracker: Wastewater monitoring dashboard – Respiratory virus activity
NEW DISCOVERY: Alberta AHS Facilities Temporary Service Disruption website
AHS Facilities Temporary Bed / Space Reductions - Map | Alberta Health Services. Here is where you can check out hospital closures.
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UCP Travels: They were all back in Alberta last week. The UCP MLAs have taken 69 trips and have been out of Canada for a total of 311 days.
This year, Dani has been gone for 44 days and has taken 9 trips out of Canada.
The Legislature sits for 13 out of 52 weeks in 2025. 13 weeks x 4 days (because they have Fridays off) = 52 days they are working for you at the legislature! (They have extended the fall sitting to Dec. 11th - an extra 8 days, then they are off until February. They have not yet released the 2026 calendar. Here is a link to the 2025 calendar, Legislative Assembly of Alberta *Days in yellow are the days they were at the Legislature. They are not governing for Albertans when you look at what they are cutting for citizens, and then have trips on our dime!
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The UCP Caucus is down 2 members and is now at 46. There are 38 NDP MLAs and 2 Independents.
Ex-UCP MLAs to join, rebrand Alberta Party instead of rebooting Progressive Conservatives from scratch | CBC News
‘They see us as a threat’: Former UCP MLAs forge ahead with Progressive Conservative revival
Peter Guthrie and Scott Sinclair have had a meeting with Alberta Party members - It has a new name - The Alberta Conservative Party. They are still waiting for Elections Alberta to approve it!
Justice Minister Amery took Aim at the two independents and has tabled a bill barring any party from using the names Conservative, Wildrose, Liberal etc.
(In the bill, he also grants himself immunity as the Attorney General of Alberta)
The Alberta Party/The Alberta Progressive Conservative Party is looking for members - you can buy yours here:
Alberta Party Memberships: Membership - Alberta Party
NDP Memberships: Membership EN | Canada’s NDP
The UCP is having its annual general meeting in Edmonton this year. November 28 - 30 at the Edmonton Expo Center. UCP Memberships: Membership - United Conservative Party of Alberta
I apologize, I have not put the link to the Alberta Liberal Party in this document yet.
https://www.albertaliberal.com/membership
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Miscellaneous facts and information for you:
This Week has been a flurry of bills introduced and information shared. This shows that the Government is showing its cards as it reacts to the many recalls that are in the works. They talk about a waste of taxpayer dollars on recalls, as each one if a by-election is called will cost Albertans $5 million. They have wasted more than $85 billion in the six years they have been in power - that would fund 17,000 recalls. The good news is that we need at least 5 to be successful in recalling this government.
Here is our list of money wasted to August 2025: HOW THE UCP IS COSTING ALBERTANS BILLIONS OF $$$.docx
We are up to 18 approved recalls collecting signatures. More have initial approval.
At the AGM, the UCP members voted to create an Alberta Pension plan - Approximately 4,000 delegates were there. Alberta’s voting population is 3,260,000. If we do the math, that works out to 0.01% of the population voting for an Alberta Pension Plan. OUR VISION IS AN ALBERTA THAT WORKS FOR EVERYONE, NOT JUST THE FEW.
Last week was a little light in the this might interest you category, but this week, wowza, there were lots of articles/that caught our eye, and we thought you might be interested as well.
Sam Mraiche is in the news this week. The Globe and Mail has written several articles about him - you can catch them in our News This Week section.
Things are getting spicy this week. The government cancelled contracts to Lethbridge and Red Deer CSFs. They are facing questions about Sam Mraiche buying property next to a ROSC site (drug support). The ROSC was formed in 2023 and, less than a year later, had $70 million in Alberta government contracts! Danielle Smith’s Chief of Staff, Marshall Smith, came from BC, where he went through a drug treatment program just like the ROSC program. He was brought to Alberta by Jason Kenney and was a consultant on the revamping of Alberta’s drug treatment program… Follow the money.
Speaking of money, there are allegations about profiteering from “Recall Campaigns” from Nicolaides. He lodged a complaint with Elections Alberta - see Wednesday’s headlines.
Throw Back:
Danielle Smith: The Lobbyist Premier - she puts oil and gas interests above the people of Alberta.
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Education: Why Nicolaides thinks we need testing to fix education. The testing only helps in highlighting where there are problems; he needs to understand that once problems are identified, you need to put in supports.
Teachers report on classroom support and complexity
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Environment: There are many Alberta areas in danger of the Government’s plans - Little Smoky and the South Saskatchewan Region (around Lethbridge)
Conserving Caribou - Nature Alberta and South Saskatchewan Regional Plan review engagement | Alberta.ca
Canmore: A group of concerned Canmore citizens is standing up to the Smith Government to stop Smith and a local developer. “The Smith government leased public land to a local developer to develop 18 acres of public land for a 100-room hotel and spa right in the middle of our Canmore neighborhood. The developer is currently preparing a proposal for the Town Council.”
Voices of Canmore - Bob Janes
https://www.protectingourfutures.org/ (cut and paste into your URL)
Protect Rundleview Greenspace in Canmore.
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Health Care: Another CEO gets thrown under the bus and put on leave - Andre Tremblay is the latest victim of the curse of AHS, after the government’s cancellation of contracts with Red Deer and Lethbridge Chartered Surgical Facilities that have Sam Mraiche as an investor. Albertans want to know what is going on with the government and the scandal surrounding health care spending.
https://albertapolitics.ca/2025/01/no-joke-we-counted-alberta-health-services-has-had-12-chief-executive-officers-since-2008/ ]
Temblay makes 13 - the most stable AHS was from 2014 - 2019 when Verna Yiu was the CEO.
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Marshall Smith: The man behind the Alberta Drug program and allegedly Mraiche’s buddy.
Marshall Smith allegations should prompt full procurement investigation
VIDEOS:
PRESIDENT Trump reading pigs on a plane (Canada’s - This Hour has 22 minutes)
Private health care
NDP response the Procurement scandal
Good Talk, the pipeline that could make or break the Liberals. Chantelle Hebert points out the hidden win! Alberta has carved out the ability to create more electricity for AI data centers. This will be a problem for water in Alberta.
Ryan Jespersen with Erika Barootes on the UCP AGM
Bonnie Critchley on what’s happening in Alberta.
Oil and Gas: A way to understand world oil demand.
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A Message from ABR (Alberta Resistance)
Recalls: Okay, there are officially 18, too many to list here, but OperationTotalRecall.ca has all the details on their page for you to check out who is recalled, what the recall websites are (to register as canvassers and to find out where to sign petitions) WE are doing it Alberta - Together. There are 17 UCP MLAs facing recall and 1 NDP MLA.
We would love to hear from you if you are interested in standing up a Recall in your riding. We have resources on constituencies, a 10-step process, and support in place for you! Contact us at: . Town halls are on hold.
Which area that the Alberta government is working on concerns you the most?
Health Care ( hospitals- being able to transfer hospitals to other organizations to run, siloing health care, health care staff, vaccine accessibility, paying private facilities to do public surgeries, other.) They are now talking about allowing Doctors to have private/public practices where there is a pay-to-access services. It has not worked well in other countries, but Marlaina/Danielle wants to break public health care, so that’s where Alberta is heading.
Education (building charter and providing funding to support building, funding charter and private schools while public schools are struggling, firing Support staff during COVID lockdowns and not hiring them all back, not funding complex classrooms, the funding formula, not negotiating with teachers). News Flash - Webber Academy Calgary received over $5 million last year, and they donated $3.8 million to West Aspen Holdings. Since 2018, they have donated $73 million to this entity. Webber Academy’s $70m Slush Fund - by the ATA rank and file
Oil and Gas (not capping abandoned wells, Mature Asset Strategy, Fracking, Pipelines. Taxpayers covering Oil and Gas companies’ taxes to municipalities and rent to farmers for their land with abandoned wells. Teresa’s Story: Albertan Farmer Speaks Out About Multi-Billion Dollar Well Cleanup Crisis
Environment - Coal mining in the Rockies, Water conservation, developing the Little Smoky area, hunting, Oil and Gas well shutdowns, pipelines, others? Corb Lund has filed a Citizen Initiative to stop coal mining in the Rockies.
AISH/ADAP - Clawing back $200 from the federal government’s Canadian Disability Benefit for people on AISH and ADAP. Charging those in subsidized housing more - $200/month. or that they are moving all AISH recipients to ADAP, which will lower their monthly payment, and allow them to claw back more money if they are working. Currently, AISH recipients can earn over $1000 without money being deducted from their AISH payment. If they go on ADAP, they can only make $350 more. Here is a link to the information Understanding the proposed changes to AISH, the new Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP), (this may no longer be active and suggestions on how to respond to the ADAP survey.) There is a petition out that you can sign letting the government know you are against the transitioning of AISH recipients onto ADAP, which results in less money to live on.
Wildlife - the bills that the Minister of Forestry and Wildlife has introduced that allow using dogs to hunt cougars and bears, trapping of endangered animals, and nine trips out of Canada to promote/sell his Ministerial licenses to come hunt in Alberta, when his family owns an outfitting/hunting company, “Red Willow Outfitters.”
Are there any we have missed? Let us know.
Build Community: Albertans need to work together to educate and build community. Finding your people is important. We are starting to host Zoom meetings and setting up to connect people in communities across Alberta.
Town halls like the Accidental Advocate and Friends of Medicare are hosting Dr. Paul Parks. The Separatists and the Far right, like TBA (Take Back Alberta), are well-organized and have lots of money. We need to counter that with information and community. Be a part of the change. See our ABR Resistor Update
There are several opportunities to attend rallies and protests this week.
Join our Facebook page or a group in your area that shares events, information, and ideas on how to spread the word.
The Public Funds for Public Education campaign is off and running. At the Legislature on Thursday, there were canvassers with petitions and smiles! Each one of us can make a difference. Sign up to canvass here:
https://abfundspublicschools.ca/
or sign the petition; every signature counts.
If you haven’t joined our webpage yet, please do. We are sending out newsletters specifically for different areas of Alberta to get support for recalls. There are many jobs you can do. If you join our volunteer list, I will invite you to our “Recall Connect” group so you can connect directly with recalls that are looking for assistance.
Knowledge: Talk to your friends and share what you know. Watching the Socials, we see more outrage and anger about what is happening to Health Care, Education, Social Services, and the Environment in this province. These areas affect everyone! It’s time to speak up.
(They only win if we give up!)
Wins this week -
We are working with other groups to show up at peaceful demonstrations around the province. For details, see our ABR Resistor Update.
AB Resistance is a small group of volunteers that pays for expenses solely through donations. Hosting town halls, printing, paying for websites, and social media software all cost money. If you would like to donate to our cause, please etransfer to abrdonate@gmail.com. We are a third-party advertiser, which means we report to Alberta Elections. When you donate, please include your name, address, and postal code in the message. The question is “What province do we live in? = Alberta, even if you don’t live here. It makes it easier for our CFO to accept your money. Thanks to everyone who has already donated. You can now sign up for our Substack. We will be publishing extra articles that uncover what the government is doing. By joining, you help us to fund townhalls, print materials, and get the word out to the public.
ABResistance has a “Speaker Series” - They are coming! One coming up is with Jenny Yeremiy on December 13th - she launched the Recall for Nicolaides. Check out the Resistor for details.
There are more being posted as we get them ready, so keep checking our YouTube channel, and we will post them in the newsletter as well (See the video section)
We are setting up some times to meet with Community Change Makers. We are also posting the videos on Substack, and you can access them here on YouTube: @abresistance.ca (some nice ab work out videos may show up as well). We have a merch store! Check out our t-shirts and hoodies.
AB Resistance Merch @ odd-i-tees
At the end of the Newsletter are some links to other news organizations.
It’s been a week! Let’s get started!
Saturday 29,
Calgary Police: Three officers charged with sexual misconduct. (The current chief of Alberta’s Police Force (Sheriffs) was a deputy chief in the Calgary police force)
Gas: Calgary - gas drops under $1/liter.
Gender Based Care: The Alberta Medical Association presents evidence-based care for transgender and gender diverse Albertans.
Guns: The Alberta government will introduce a motion this week under provincial sovereignty legislation to defy the federal gun seizure program, Premier Danielle Smith announced Saturday during a speech at the United Conservative Party’s annual general meeting. Castle Law????
Edmonton: The City is looking to close a $52 million fiscal hole in the city budget. (If the Danielle Smith government paid their bills, we would be okay.)
Health care
Transportation: Several Calgary buses have been cancelled with little or no notice.
UCP AGM:
The Alberta Government is attacking the Charter, Health Care, Education, Multiculturism, and the RCMP - tell me again about a Sovereign Alberta within a United Canada spiel….
Sunday 30,
Health Care: The province has opened the possibility for Surgeons to do private billing of patients.
Minister of Multiculturism: Associate Minister of Multiculturalism Muhammad Yaseen issued the following statement in celebration of Advent:
UCP: Frakenparty stitched together by Jason Kenney.
Monday 1,
ADAP: The new ADAP program raises concerns about reduced benefits for disabled persons. They are making it more difficult for people with disabilities to access the services and supports they need.
Some background information - they claim that Albertans can earn more on ADAP than on AISH. Currently, on AISH, you can make more than $1,000 before money is clawed back; ADAP starts clawing money back at under $400. Does this make sense to you?
This article claims the government will assess each AISH recipient to see if they are better served on ADAP. - Now they are moving all AISH recipients to ADAP, and you have to requalify for AISH.
Inclusion Alberta’s take on what is happening. ADAP is a brand-new program launching in July 2026.
Electricity: Electricity has gotten more expensive for Albertans. Is it time to look at taking it back under the government to better control prices?
Equalization: Is equalization fair or unfair to Alberta - a dialogue.
Federal: An extra $81 billion over five years for updating and ramping up Canada’s defence systems — and holding up Canada’s end for NATO — represents a great opportunity for Alberta companies, Peter MacKay says.
Forever Canada: Elections Alberta declares the Forever Canada Petition valid. Now we wait for the next move by the Smith government.
Gas and Oil: AER stopped enforcing gas flaring limits - is this why there is so much asthma in the province? PS methane is a colourless gas.
Minister of Education and Child Care: Alberta’s government is celebrating this year’s recipients of the Minister’s Awards of Excellence in Child Development.
Online Gambling: The Minister of Red Tape Reduction aka according to Alberta Views the Minister of Fun, opens up online gambling in Alberta.
Police/Sheriffs: Alberta’s new police watchdog - Police Review Commission became operational on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025
Recalls: Danielle Smith may also face a recall petition in Brooks - Medicine Hat
Tuesday 2,
AI DATA Center: CBC News toured CAL-2, Calgary’s largest data centre, soon to be overshadowed by a facility 3 times bigger
Edmonton Taxes: But four motions to reduce capital expenses didn’t go anywhere at Tuesday’s budget deliberations. Instead, the council voted to buy a quarter of the new buses needed to improve service in the areas with the most demand.
Federal Gun Buy Back Program: Alberta unveils plan to resist enforcement of Ottawa’s firearm buyback program
Fentanyl: Cross-country drug bust yields 386 kg of fentanyl, thousands of arrests
Health Care Procurement Scandal: More info from the Globe and Mail regarding Sam Mraiche’s involvement with Danielle Smith’s government.
Globe and Mail - Alberta Sam Mraiche health care procurement involvement
Danielle Smith punts questions on health CEO’s election night appearance - The Globe and Mail
Identification: Putting health care numbers on driver’s licences increases fraud risk, according to the privacy watchdog.
Justice: Alberta’s government will introduce a motion under the Alberta Sovereignty within a United Canada Act to defend law-abiding firearms owners.
Pipeline: The Assembly of First Nations Chiefs unanimously passed an emergency resolution backing an oil tanker ban and First Nations on the B.C. coast.
Metis Settlements of Alberta president says project could help communities achieve full sustainability (Reminder: Aaron Barner was in the Skybox.) Mraiche’s business empire also includes a $2.2 million contract with the 18 Nation of Alberta, signed by Aaron Barner, the senior executive officer of the 18 Nation and a business partner of Mraiche. The contract, which begins in 2025, raises questions about the influence of personal relationships in government procurement and the potential for favoritism.
Alberta Métis eyeing ownership stake in proposed oil pipeline | CBC Climate Change News
UCP Gifts, Conflicts and Connections (March 2025)
Police/Sheriffs: EPS first to test facial recognition body-worn video cameras from Axon Enterprise Inc., an American company that develops weapons and technology products for law enforcement, military, and civilians. Where did this
Edmonton police first in the world to test Axon facial recognition body-worn video cameras
Exploring the future of responsible facial recognition on body-worn cameras - Axon.com
The privacy commissioner is at odds with EPS over the use of facial recognition software.
Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction: A major investigation by Alberta’s Consumer Investigation Unit has resulted in a conviction on more than a dozen counts of fraud for a Calgary home retailer.
Sovereignty: Smith cuts a deal with the Federal Government and then turns around and blames them for Alberta’s problems.
Transportation: Alberta’s 2025 construction season delivered major upgrades to Deerfoot Trail, as well as more than 100 road and bridge projects across the province.
UCP: Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her United Conservative Party is not a separatist party
Wild Fire: Proactive planning, mitigation and new ways of working successfully reduced wildfire impacts this season, as Alberta responded swiftly to emerging threats.
Wednesday 3,
Orders in Council (THERE WERE QUITE A FEW THAT WILL AFFECT ALBERTANS)
Orders Approved – December 3, 2025
Sections that impact Albertans:
367/2025 Mr. MacDougall: Appoints former Minister of Health Jason Copping to the board of The Governors of The University of Calgary for a term to expire on December 2, 2028.
368/2025 Mr. Nally: Appoints Gordon Rauscher to the board of the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission for a term to expire on December 16, 2027. He is the President and CEO of Bear Hills Casino. Does this tie into online gambling in Alberta? All about the opening of Bear Hills Casino & Resort in Alberta
Background on Environmental issues under Ms. Schulz
Overview of the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA)
The Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (RSA 2000, c E-12) is Alberta’s foundational legislation for environmental regulation. It governs the protection, enhancement, and sustainable use of air, land, water, and biodiversity resources. The Act requires approvals or registrations for certain activities that could impact the environment, enforces compliance through monitoring and enforcement, and establishes mechanisms like environmental impact assessments (EIAs) to evaluate potential adverse effects on human health, safety, property, or the environment. It applies province-wide to individuals, businesses, and government entities, with penalties for non-compliance up to $1 million or imprisonment.
Key divisions include pollution prevention (e.g., releases of substances), waste management, and conservation. The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) administers EPEA for energy-related projects (e.g., oil sands, pipelines, mines), while Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (AEPA) handles others (e.g., refineries, standalone power plants).
369/2025 Ms. Schulz Sections 5 and 60 of the EMCR Act
Section 5 (Emission Offsets): This section authorizes the creation and use of emission offsets—credits generated from verifiable projects that reduce, sequester, or capture specified gases beyond business-as-usual practices. Offsets can be used by regulated entities to meet compliance obligations under the Act and its regulations. It enables protocols for offset projects (e.g., in agriculture, forestry, or energy) and ensures offsets are registered in the Alberta Emissions Offset Registry.
Section 60 (Regulations): This is the broad regulation-making authority granted to the Lieutenant Governor in Council (via Orders in Council). It empowers amendments to subordinate regulations, including those governing:
Emission limits and intensity benchmarks for sources.
Reporting, monitoring, and verification standards.
Use of offsets, performance credits, and fund contributions.
Confidentiality of proprietary data (e.g., subsection 60(1)(h) protects trade secrets for specified periods).
Sectoral agreements and inter-jurisdictional cooperation.
These sections collectively provide the legal framework for updating Alberta’s emissions trading and carbon pricing system to align with federal benchmarks (e.g., under Canada’s Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act).
The Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction Amendment Regulation
The TIER Regulation, enacted in 2019, operationalizes Alberta’s industrial carbon pricing and emissions trading system—the first of its kind in North America. Amendments refine compliance mechanisms, benchmarks, and incentives to ensure economic competitiveness while meeting emissions targets.
Key aspects of the Amendment Regulation include:
Updates to high-performance benchmarks and facility-specific product benchmarks for emissions intensity.
Introduction of sequestration credits and capture recognition tonnes to support carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) projects.
Adjustments to opt-in/opt-out thresholds (e.g., lowering opt-in for emissions-intensive, trade-exposed facilities from 10,000 to 2,000 tonnes CO₂e/year).
Limits on credit usage (e.g., emission offsets usable within 6 years of generation).
Alignment with federal stringency to avoid the federal fuel charge.
Proposed 2025 amendments (announced September 2025) would further add on-site reduction investments as a compliance pathway and allow small emitters to opt out.
The making of this Amendment Regulation under sections 5 and 60 affects Alberta’s industrial emissions management framework, impacting approximately 60% of the province’s total GHG emissions (covering ~150 facilities). It influences: In summary, this primarily affects large industrial emitters and the energy sector by enforcing emissions reductions through a market-based system, while funding innovation to balance environmental goals with economic growth.
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371/2025 Section 59 of the EPEA: Section 59 provides the Lieutenant Governor in Council (via Orders in Council) with broad regulatory authority to support the Act’s implementation. It enables the making of regulations on various matters, including:
Designating activities as “mandatory” (requiring an EIA under Part 2, Division 1).
Exempting specific activities from EIA requirements.
Setting thresholds, criteria, or conditions for assessments, approvals, and exemptions.
Addressing cumulative effects, public participation, and inter-jurisdictional coordination (e.g., with federal Canadian Environmental Assessment Act processes).
This section ensures the regulatory framework can adapt to new environmental risks, technologies, or policy needs without amending the parent Act.
Enacted under section 59, the Environmental Assessment (Mandatory and Exempted Activities) Regulation (Alta Reg 111/1993, as amended) operationalizes Alberta’s EIA process. It lists:
Mandatory activities (Schedule 1): Proposed projects requiring a formal EIA report before approval, such as large chemical plants (>1,000 tonnes/day production), major dams, pulp mills, or power plants (>5 MW capacity, excluding certain renewables).
Exempted activities (Schedule 2): Projects exempt from EIAs, including small-scale operations (e.g., pipelines with an index <2,690 km·mm, certain waterworks systems, or recreational facilities like campgrounds)
What Does This Section Affect?
Section 59, through enabling the Amendment Regulation, primarily affects the scoping and approval of development projects that could harm the environment, ensuring EIAs balance economic growth with protection. It impacts ~100–200 major projects annually, focusing on sectors like energy (80% of EIAs), infrastructure, and manufacturing. Key effects include:
In essence, this affects project viability and environmental safeguards by controlling which activities trigger detailed scrutiny, preventing unassessed risks while minimizing red tape for low-impact ones.
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372/2025 Overview of the Responsible Energy Development Act (REDA)
The Responsible Energy Development Act (SA 2012, c R-17.3) is Alberta’s cornerstone legislation for regulating energy and mineral resource development. Enacted in 2012 and fully proclaimed by 2014, it established the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) as a single, independent body to oversee upstream oil, gas, oil sands, coal, and related activities. The Act’s core mandate (section 2) is to ensure the “efficient, safe, orderly and environmentally responsible development of energy resources” while considering social and economic effects, environmental impacts, and landowner rights. It applies province-wide to energy projects, integrating oversight of energy-specific laws (energy resource enactments) and broader environmental statutes (specified enactments).
REDA promotes streamlined approvals, public participation, and enforcement, with powers for audits, penalties (up to $500,000), and reclamation security. It balances industry growth—Alberta’s energy sector supports ~200,000 jobs and 25% of provincial GDP—with protections for the environment and communities.
Section 26 of the REDA: What It Is About
Section 26 grants the Lieutenant Governor in Council (the provincial Cabinet, acting on government recommendation) the authority to make regulations that:
Designate or adjust the AER’s jurisdiction over specified enactments—non-energy-specific laws like the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA, for pollution control), Public Lands Act (for Crown land dispositions), Water Act (for approvals and allocations), and Part 8 of the Mines and Minerals Act (for conservation).
Define the scope of AER administration for energy-related activities under these enactments, ensuring consistent oversight without overlapping other government departments (e.g., Alberta Environment and Protected Areas handles non-energy matters).
Provide transitional rules, exemptions, or procedural details to integrate these enactments into AER processes.
A REMINDER AI DATA CENTERS NEED WATER TO KEEP THE EQUIPMENT COOL.
The Specified Enactments (Jurisdiction) Amendment Regulation
Made under section 26, the Specified Enactments (Jurisdiction) Regulation (Alta Reg 201/2013, as amended) details the AER’s delegated powers. It:
Confirms AER oversight of EPEA, Water Act, Public Lands Act, and Mines and Minerals Act for energy projects (e.g., pipeline water diversions or mine reclamation).
Outlines limits: AER handles only energy-linked aspects; other uses (e.g., municipal water under the Water Act) fall to ministries.
Includes amendments, such as via Order in Council 195/2023 (November 2023), which refined jurisdictional boundaries—e.g., clarifying AER roles in administrative penalties under Mines and Minerals Act (proclaimed December 2016) or integrating new enforcement tools for critical infrastructure.
Amendments ensure efficiency (e.g., single-window approvals) while adapting to changes like carbon capture projects or wetland protections.
How This Affects Albertans
Section 26 and its regulations indirectly but significantly impact Albertans by shaping how energy development—Alberta’s economic backbone—is regulated, affecting jobs, health, land use, and the environment. The AER oversees ~150,000 applications annually, influencing daily life through safer operations and economic stability.
Overall, this fosters responsible growth: positive for economic vitality and safety, but critics note potential for faster approvals to sideline concerns (e.g., reduced automatic hearings).
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373/2025 Mr. Wilson: Overview of the Proclamation and the Mental Health Services Protection Amendment Act, 2025
The Mental Health Services Protection Act (SA 2018, c M-13.2) establishes a licensing framework to ensure safe, high-quality mental health and addiction treatment services in Alberta. It mandates licensing for providers offering residential addiction treatment, supervised consumption (e.g., drug consumption sites), and other specified services, with standards for care, staffing, and operations enforced by the Minister of Mental Health and Addiction.
The Mental Health Services Protection Amendment Act, 2025 (SA 2025, c 12, Bill 37) received Royal Assent on May 15, 2025, but most provisions come into force on proclamation by the Lieutenant Governor. This proclamation brings section 12 into force on its issuance date (likely late 2025, as the current date is December 4, 2025). Section 12 amends the Parent Act by:
Introducing a tiered categorization of bed-based addiction services into three levels:
Withdrawal management (short-term detox support).
Intensive treatment (structured, clinical interventions for severe cases).
Non-intensive recovery services (supportive, community-based recovery).
Transferring detailed licensing requirements (e.g., staffing ratios, facility standards) from the statute to flexible regulations or ministerial standards, allowing easier updates without legislative changes.
Updating terminology for clarity and alignment with modern practices (e.g., “residential addiction treatment services” to “bed-based addiction treatment services”; “supervised consumption services” to “drug consumption services”).
Enhancing oversight, such as requiring providers to meet evidence-based standards and report outcomes.
How This Affects Albertans
Section 12 primarily impacts the delivery and quality of publicly and privately funded addiction treatment services, affecting ~150 licensed facilities and thousands of Albertans annually seeking care
Overall, this fosters a more responsive, high-quality addiction care ecosystem, addressing gaps in Alberta’s system (e.g., wait times >30 days for treatment). Critics note it may delay full implementation until regulations are finalized, but it advances harm reduction and recovery.
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ADAP: Alberta’s approach to disabled Albertans falls short.
Coal Mining: Surprise! Bradley LaFortune lays out what the coal mine in Grassy Mountain will look like - an open-pit. We can stop it if we work together.
Education: Alberta’s government is providing $69 million to help address rising complexity in the classroom through the Mental Health and Well-Being Grant. This money was budgeted 9 months ago and should have been allocated in September. Also the $69 million is over 3 years. This government is doing to education what it did for health care - kick the ball down the road, until they have the plan in place to make it unsustainable and offer privatized options.
More money for complex classrooms | Plus d’argent pour les salles de classes complexes
The government announces mental health funding already promised | Alberta Teachers’ Association
Health care: Alberta Health CEO - Andre Tremblay on leave. Erin O’Neill, AHS executive team, is tagged to step in for him. ( I wonder if he has signed an NDA.)
An 80-year-old Diabetic gets a bill for $100 vaccine from Alberta Health despite meeting the criteria for free COVID-19 vaccines
Oil and Gas: Ottawa previously unveiled an investment tax credit that would reimburse carbon capture projects, but didn’t include enhanced oil recovery in that initiative.
That decision was frustrating for some in the industry, who argue the technology can be part of a strategy to combat climate change and could include some spillover benefits.
But it pleased some environmental advocates, who said such a credit effectively acts as an “inefficient fossil fuel subsidy,” promoting more fossil fuel production and leading to an increase in emissions.
Pipelines: The head of Alberta’s Indigenous loan agency says a new oil pipeline to the B.C. coast could deliver “significant” returns for Indigenous owners, but stopped short of confirming Premier Danielle Smith‘s speculation that nations could potentially draw up to $1 billion a year.
Recalls: Danielle Smith has a recall launched against her.
A complaint is filed with Elections Alberta claiming that the organizers are going to have a financial gain from his recall.
Police/Sheriffs: Two Brooks RCMP Officers charged with off-duty assault.
Taxes: Edmonton City Property Taxes to rise 6.9% next year.
Calgary votes for a 1.6% increase in property taxes.
UCP AGM: The AGM exposes a party moving away from most Albertans and closer to a separatist agenda.
Thursday 4,
Order Approved – December 4, 2025: Chris Turchansky appointed President and CEO of ATB
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Affordability: Where are our Minister and Parliamentary Secretary on Affordability? Families need support with food, utility bills, and health care supports - but here we are, everything is going up while they have taken 8 trips out of Canada for a total of 30 days - Chelsea and Nathan??? Any Answers?
AI: Calgary Teen accused of using AI to create sexualized photos of teen girls attending a number of Calgary high schools and posting the pictures online.
Alberta Next Panel: Four inquiries launched after province declines to release Alberta Next survey results
Carbon Tax: An analysis of the Alberta industrial carbon tax - how it compares, headline vs market price.
Why a tonne of industrial carbon costs $95 in Alberta, but credits sell for less than $20 | CBC News
Education: Second Minister admits the government used the notwithstanding clause against teachers to save money, because they knew that the teachers would get more out of mediation.
One in three students is chronically absent from class in Edmonton - Number of students missing at least 10% of the school year rising since pandemic - that’s at least 20 days out of the year.
The UCP hired a PR firm to run an education campaign against Alberta teachers, costing $2 million.
G-7 Citizen Pilot: No charges for the civilian pilot who violated airspace during the G-7 summit in Kananaskis.
Health care: Primary Care - LaGrange is spewing her lies about how the four different columns - Oversight Minister - claim that doctors are increasing. 79% - 80% nurse practitioners in the province- (Why are ERs closed regularly and why are ER wait times so long? Sooo many lies.) Well worth the listen!
Justice: The Justice Statutes Amendment Act, 2025, amends legislation to protect election integrity and ensure Albertans receive clear, user-friendly ballots on election day.
This bill takes the responsibility away from Elections Alberta to decide on the validity of Citizen Initiatives or forward them to the courts, restricts the use of names as part of a new party name (ie, Progressive Conservative), and gives the Justice Minister, aka the Attorney General in Alberta, immunity for any actions or decisions. Does this sound like another government in the western hemisphere?
Alberta imposes restrictions on party names, paving the way for a separatist referendum (Check the news story on Friday re: the ruling from the Court of King’s Bench)
Mental Health: A new Mental Health and Addiction Wisdom Council will provide Indigenous advice, guidance, and cultural insight to strengthen recovery-oriented care.
Oil and Gas: Danielle Smith’s government is finally agreeing with Landowners who have abandoned wells on their land and says perhaps no more wells should be drilled unless there is a deposit to properly shut them down before being allowed to drill. It’s about time!
Police/Sheriffs: Opinion Edmonton Journal - Edmontonians shouldn’t be guinea pigs for face tracking body cams.
Sports: Calgary researchers help shed light on gaps in sport injury prevention for women
Temporary Foreign Workers: Tim Hortons lobbied for more temporary foreign workers over the last 18 months.
Friday 5,
Bills in the Legislature: What bills are up for voting on, and what are they about? Here you go, a great summary.
Bird Flu: The Worst bird flu season in years. In some places, it has already crossed animal-human barriers.
Canada’s unemployment rate: It fell to 6.5% the lowest in 16 months.
Canada’s unemployment rate fell to 6.5% in November, a steep drop from the previous month | CBC News
Corrupt Care: Sam Mraiche was investigated by Elections Alberta for alleged illegal political donations - giving money to others to donate to parties.
Dentist: Calgary dentist found guilty of fraud for phony billing (This is why Professional Oversight committees are important.)
Calgary dentist who submitted $680k in phony billings should get 3 years in prison: Crown | CBC News
Energy: Albertans are invited to participate in upcoming information sessions to have their say on nuclear energy in the province.
Health care: A Strathmore woman is waiting for a six-organ transplant.
Acute Care Alberta extends contract with Chartered Surgical Facility - Alberta Surgical Group - for 4000 operations and a total of $34 million, which works out to -
Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade, and Immigration: Joseph Schow issued the following statement on the most recent job numbers:
Parks and Wildlife: What a season! Alberta Parks emerged as a top spot for getaways, drawing visitors from near and far looking to dive into new and memorable outdoor adventures.
Recalls: 4 more approved Calgary Beddington NDP, Calgary East UCP, Calgary Peigan UCP, and Red Deer North UCP
Separatist Question: Alberta judge rules on the Separatist question being unconstitutional.
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Alberta News - Keeping Albertans Informed
Alberta Views puts out a weekly synopsis of happenings in Alberta: This week’s version. (The Week in Alberta archives)
Press Progress is being sued by Caylan Ford former UCP candidate under Jason Kenney and current Charter School owner. Caylan Ford is a Canadian who makes films and writes about political and philosophical evil, human rights, and education. He is also the plaintiff in a defamation case against the media, taken from the website blurb when searching for her. (Note: Caylan Ford is a female) www.caylanford.com › about
In 2022, I founded Canada’s first tuition-free classical charter school, Calgary Classical Academy. Having drawn more capable people to the project than myself, we’re already grown to have three campuses in Calgary and Edmonton. This is a short video introduction to our work and how we aim to promote knowledge of things that are true, good, and enduring.
The Tyee puts out a weekly round-up of happenings in Alberta - Check it out.
A round-up of this week’s Tyee Alberta stories. They are a non-profit; if you can afford to donate to this amazing news source,
Calgary’s The Sprawl - Slow News for curious Calgarians
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Alberta Municipalities News
News from the Municipalities - has an update on bills being passed.
Alberta Conservative News
Alberta Government Links
The Legislature’s sitting has been extended two weeks: They will be on break from December 11, 2025, until February. They have not released the 2026 calendar yet.
The Government is making its news announcements user-friendly. Here is the non-government branded version.
Here is the government version.
Hansard - The Alberta Government Hansard Transcription
Here is the sunshine list document for Alberta.
Legislative Assembly Office Compensation Disclosure
Here are the MLA payouts for wages/expenses for 2024
Alberta MLA selected payments. Wages and Expenses.
If you have events coming up in your area or have a group you would like to promote, email us at abresistance2027@gmail.com
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