At a Glance - Week of July 2, 2025

Three By-elections Conclude

On Monday, votes were held in three provincial riding by-elections. In Edmonton-Strathcona, NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi won with just over 82 per cent of the vote, a 2.5-point increase for the NDP in the riding from the last general election. UCP challenger Darby-Rae Crouch earned over 13 per cent of the vote.

In Edmonton-Ellerslie, NDP candidate Gurtej Singh Brar secured the riding with just over 50 per cent of the vote, a decrease of over 10 points for the NDP from the 2023 election. The UCP’s challenger Naresh Bhardwaj secured 38 per cent of the ballots cast.

In Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills UCP candidate Tara Sawyer won 61 per cent of the vote, a decrease of 14 points since the last general election for the UCP. Opposition was more split in the riding with the NDP’s Beverley Toews earning just under 20 per cent and the Republican Party of Alberta’s Cameron Davies earning over 17 per cent.

Next Up for Alberta

Premier Danielle Smith has announced the formation of the Alberta Next Panel, which she will personally chair. The panel will conduct engagement with Albertans over the summer and fall of 2025 to identify policy recommendations and referendum questions for increasing Albertan sovereignty within Canada. “This isn’t just about talk. It’s about action. The Alberta Next Panel is giving everyday Albertans a direct say in the direction of our province. It’s time to stand up to Ottawa’s overreach and make sure decisions about Alberta’s future are made here, by the people who live and work here,” commented the Premier.

Public engagement will occur through a series of in-person and online town halls in addition to digital surveys. The panel is comprised of 14 members, including elected officials, former judiciaries, economists, thought leaders, industry specialists, and social service advocates.

Continued Support for Small Businesses

The Government of Alberta is extending its support for the Trade Accelerator Program (TAP), to increase the exports and revenue available to small businesses.  An additional $2.8 million will be invested to extend the program for an additional five years. It is expected that 650 small businesses will receive support derived from this investment.

“Increasing trade is a priority for our government, which is why we are helping small- and medium-sized businesses grow. More than ever, we need to diversify our global trade and give businesses the tools they need to succeed. In return, Alberta will see more jobs, more investment and a stronger economy with programs like this,” stated Minister of Jobs, Economy, and Trade, Joseph Schow.

New Indigenous Employment Supports

The Government of Alberta is investing over $20 million in improving employment services in Indigenous communities. “Our partnerships with Indigenous communities and organizations are an essential part of Alberta’s prosperity. By investing in Indigenous-led employment services, we’re not just supporting individuals – we’re strengthening communities and building a more inclusive, resilient economy in Alberta,” stated Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services Jason Nixon.

Funding is being targeted at community-driven and culturally grounded career training and placement services. The funds are being distributed among 15 separate communities and organizations across the province.