Alberta Budget 2021 will invest almost $21 billion over three years to boost Alberta’s economy and create 90,000 new jobs. The 2021 Capital Plan invests $20.7 billion over three years.
This is an increase of $1.7 billion in 2021-22 from Budget 2020, reflecting the government’s commitment to getting shovel-ready projects off the ground and Albertans back to work in good-paying jobs.
The plan will support more than 50,000 direct and 40,000 indirect jobs through to 2024. This includes new funding for 41 projects totalling $825.8 million over three years, including:
- $288 million for education projects, including14 school projects and an increase to the modular classroom program ($60 million)
- $143 million for five health projects, including the La Crete Maternity and Community Health Centre ($35 million)
- $177 million for transportation projects.
- $48.7 million for environment and parks capital projects, including David Thompson Corridor upgrades, flood mitigation and resiliency projects.
- $57.3 million for a new Court of Appeal building in Calgary.
The three-year plan also includes $3 billion for capital maintenance and renewal of existing buildings, roads, bridges and more.
“Alberta’s government continues to build the vital public works projects Albertans rely on, ensuring that we create jobs today, while building the infrastructure that our province will need as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Prasad Panda, Minister of Infrastructure.
The Alberta Construction Association (ACA) welcomes the Budget 2021, which will support construction families across Alberta from more economic uncertainty. ACA also applauds the government’s continued investment in training programs and educational opportunities which will enhance the lives of young people looking to enter the workforce,
Whether new schools for increased student enrolments, transit projects to reduce congestion and get goods to market, and hospitals to meet health care, the provincial government must continue to invest in infrastructure regardless of economic circumstances. The level of investment needs to keep pace with population growth and inflation, according to ACA.
Construction is one of Alberta’s largest employers, directly accounting for approximately 240,000 jobs or one in 10 working Albertans, with thousands of additional jobs in related occupations.
