AB Government: 90,000 jobs to be created with record capital investments

Press Release

Alberta’s 2021 Capital Plan spends $20.7 billion over three years to create 90,000 jobs and protect Albertans’ livelihoods as part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan.

In addition to continued funding for projects already underway, the 2021 Capital Plan provides $825.8 million for new projects over the next three years, including critical health-care infrastructure and 14 school projects around the province.

“As we continue to protect Albertans from COVID-19, we are focused on protecting livelihoods by planning ahead, creating jobs and preparing for recovery through our multibillion-dollar Capital Plan. These record investments are a key part of the Alberta Recovery Plan to build, diversify, and create new jobs. After a year of unprecedented hardship, Alberta’s economy is showing signs of recovery and Alberta’s government will be there to support that recovery with major investments in new projects that build the architecture of Alberta’s future economy. ”

Jason Kenney, Premier

“Alberta’s government is building essential public works projects like health centres, schools and courthouses. These projects get people back to work and keep them working at a time when they need it most.”

Prasad Panda, Minister of Infrastructure

“Budget 2021 Capital Plan supports Alberta’s recovery by focusing on the core infrastructure project and projects that will improve our competitiveness and productivity and position the province for economic growth.”

Travis Toews, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance

“Budget 2021 upgrades and maintains Alberta’s highways to get Albertans back to work now and prepare for future growth. Building and fixing highways, roads, bridges and water systems across our province protects lives and livelihoods in our communities.”

Ric McIver, Minister of Transportation

Alberta’s government is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by protecting livelihoods with Alberta’s Recovery Plan, a bold, ambitious long-term strategy to build, diversify and create tens of thousands of jobs now. By building schools, roads and other core infrastructure we are benefiting our communities. By diversifying our economy and attracting investment with Canada’s most competitive tax environment, we are putting Alberta on a path for a generation of growth.

Quick facts

As part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan, the 2021-2024 Capital Plan invests in new infrastructure projects, including:
- 14 school projects and an increase to the modular classroom program for $268 million.
- Five new health projects, for a total of $143 million, including redevelopment of the Rockyview General Hospital for intensive care unit, coronary care unit and gastrointestinal unit for $59 million.
- A new Court of Appeal building in Calgary for $57 million.
- $48.7 million for Environment and Parks projects including flood mitigation for $9 million, and watercourse and watershed resiliency projects for $29 million.
Alberta’s Recovery Plan continues to support other key infrastructure projects, such as:
- The Calgary Cancer Centre for $468 million.
- The Gene Zwozdesky Centre at Norwood for $246 million.
- The new Red Deer Justice Centre for $177 million.
- The Agrivalue Processing Business Incubator in Leduc for $24 million.
- 62 previously announced school projects underway throughout the province for $1.2 billion.
- $1.3 billion for provincial highway construction, including improvements on Deerfoot Trail, expanding Highway 1A between Cochrane and Canmore, building the Grande Prairie Bypass, and constructing an interchange at the QEII and 40th Avenue in Airdrie.
- $154 million toward long-awaited capital projects in Edmonton, including the expansion of Terwillegar Drive, grade-separation on 50th Street at the CPR tracks, and upgrading Yellowhead Trail into a free-flow freeway.
- Reaffirming our commitment to LRT projects in both Calgary and Edmonton.
- $2.5 billion in capital grants to local governments, including the Municipal Sustainability Initiative, the Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program (STIP), the Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership, Water for Life and the First Nations Water Tie-in.