5 Million doses of Vaccine Administered in Alberta  

As of July 18, 5,056,062 doses have been administered through Alberta Health Services, community pharmacies, physician clinics and dedicated walk-in clinics. Now 74.8 percent of eligible Albertans have received at least one dose of vaccine and 59.7 percent are fully immunized with two doses. Learn More.  

Putting Poor Crops to Good Use  

The government of Canada and Alberta, through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, are adjusting the crop insurance program. Learn more.  

Improving the Mental Wellness of Alberta’s Youth  

Up to $7.3 million will support the expansion of youth mental health hubs, which provide young Albertans with a one-stop shop for services that improve their mental health and overall wellness. Read More. 

Creating Jobs through the Responsible Management of Alberta Forests  

A new forest management agreement means long-term investment, and secure and sustainable fibre access in southern Alberta, ensuring years of reliable forest management, stable, good-paying jobs and millions in economic contributions. Learn more. 

Expanding Broadband Internet in Rural Alberta  

As a part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan, Alberta’s government will invest up to $150 million to expand and improve broadband internet in rural, remote and Indigenous communities. Read more. 

Employment Insurance Consultations be be Launched Later this Summer  

The federal government will launch consultations on future longer-term EI improvements in August. The government will consult with Canadian workers, employers and other stakeholders.  

Government of Canada taking action to Support Farmers Facing Extreme Weather  

On July 22, 2021, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced concrete measures the Government of Canada is taking to deliver the necessary support and resources for producers in areas affected by extreme weather. Learn more. 

Canada creates 1,297 Internship Opportunities for Youth Building a Cleaner Future  

On July 21, the Honourable Jonathon Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced $38.2 million to create 1,297 youth internship opportunities in the environmental and clean technology sectors. These internships will be offered in collaboration with environmental science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) employers across Canada for six- to twelve- month projects. Learn more.  

Canada Child Benefit Increases Once Again to Keep Up With Cost of Living  

Every child deserves the best possible start in life. That is why the Government of Canada introduced the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) five years ago to help give families a fair chance at success. Since then, each year the CCB has provided almost $25 billion in tax-free support to about 3.5 million families. This support has helped lift nearly 435,000 children out of poverty, grown the middle class, and put more money in the pockets of 9 out of 10 Canadian families compared to the previous suite of child benefits.  

On July 20, 2021, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, announced that the maximum annual Canada Child Benefit will once again be increased to keep up with the rising cost of living. For the 2021-2022 benefit year, the maximum annual benefit will be $6,833 per child under age 6 and $5,765 per child aged 6 through 17. That is over $350 more per child than when the CCB was first introduced. Read more.  

Government of Canada announces easing of Border Measures for fully Vaccinated Travellers   

The Government of Canada is prioritizing the health and safety of everyone in Canada by taking a risk-based and measured approach to re-opening our borders. On September 7, 2021, provided that the domestic epidemiologic situation remains favourable, the Government intends to open Canada’s borders to any fully vaccinated travellers who have completed the full course vaccination with a Government of Canada- accepted vaccine at least 14 days prior to entering Canada and who meet specific entry requirements. Read more. 

Government of Canada invests $2.6 million to Improve Alfalfa Growth and Develop a Grassland Carbon offset System  

On July 19, 2021, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced an investment of over $2.6 million to Canadian Forage and Grassland Association (CFGA) to support three projects that will assess and improve alfalfa growth using artificial intelligence and will develop a Canadian grassland carbon offset system. Alfalfa is a key forage crop producers rely on to capture and fix carbon, return nutrients to the soil and improve soil health. Read more. 

Clarification on Bill C-208 Provides Much Needed Certainty for Small Businesses  

Yesterday, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Finance, released a statement offering clarification on Bill C-208 and the taxation for intergenerational transfers of small business shares. We are pleased with the confirmation that the changes contained in C-208 now apply in law and commend MPs from across party lines for their work in getting the bill across the finish line.  

Corporate Vaccination Policies  

Employers facing a new challenge. As the vaccination rate in Canada steadily increases, employers are faced with a new challenge: How to ensure a safe work environment without the power to mandate vaccinations.  

This research details what employers across the country are saying about their vaccination policy plans, whether accommodations will be made for employees who won’t roll up their sleeves, and more. Read the Research.  

Extended Critical Worker Benefit  

Workers at quick-service and dine-in restaurants and taxi and limousine drivers are eligible to receive a one-time payment of $1,200 through the Critical Worker Benefit. Employers and self-employed workers must apply at www.alberta.ca/critical-worker-benefits.aspx.  

OpportuNext - Online Career Transition Tool  

The Conference Board of Canada and the Future Skills Centre are excited to launch a free online tool designed to help job placement professionals, jobseekers, and employers quickly and easily explore viable career transition pathways. Learn more.