At a Glance - Week of February 23, 2026
$400M Deal for New Wildfire Waterbombers
The Government of Alberta has secured a $400-million contract with De Havilland Canada to purchase five new DHC-515 waterbombers, strengthening the province’s ability to respond to wildfires and protect communities. The locally built aircraft will boost Alberta’s firefighting capacity and are expected to arrive by spring 2031.
Premier Danielle Smith stated: “Albertans expect their government to be ready when wildfire season hits, and that is exactly what we are doing. Our first responsibility is to keep Albertans safe. These Alberta-built waterbombers will strengthen our wildfire response, protect our communities and create hundreds of skilled jobs right here at home.”
Alberta Fast-Tracks Four School Construction Projects
The province is accelerating four previously announced school construction projects as part of the School Construction Accelerator Program. Launched in 2024 with an $8.6-billion investment to build and renovate more than 130 schools, this initiative aims to reduce delays and deliver new classrooms for students.
Minister of Education and Childcare, Demetrios Nicolaides, commented: “Fast-tracking school projects cuts months off the timelines and moves them that much closer to opening their doors for students. Families in Calgary and St. Albert will see new classrooms sooner because we’re speeding up the work.”
New Drug Preparation Center in Calgary
Alberta is investing $61 million in a new drug preparation center in Calgary to improve Albertans’ access to essential medications by preparing and distributing pharmaceuticals from a single, centralized location. Operated by Alberta Health Services, the new facility will replace an ageing site that can no longer meet modern medical needs. Construction is expected to begin later this year.
“Investing in a new pharmaceutical production and distribution centre in Calgary will strengthen how vital medicines are developed and delivered across the province. This project will enhance pharmaceutical services in hospitals and health care facilities, creating hundreds of construction-related jobs, while supporting more efficient and cost-effective health care for Albertans,” commented Minister of Infrastructure, Martin Long.
Enhancing Policing on Tsuut’ina Nation
The provincial government is allocating $1.5 million to support a new satellite police detachment for the Tsuut’ina Nation police Service. The funding will help build a modern facility that enhances response times and police presence across key areas of the Nation.
“We would like to thank the Government of Alberta for their funding and support of our inherent right to keep our Peoples and lands secure and protected. The Tsuut’ina Nation’s ongoing growth, in close proximity to a rapidly expanding major city and neighbouring rural projects, increases the demand on Nation police services. Having resources in place assists our law enforcement efforts and enhances the overall security of the Tsuut’ina Nation,” stated Chief Ellery Starlight, Tsuut’ina First Nation.