October 23, 2025
The Alberta Speech from the Throne was delivered today at the Legislature in Edmonton, outlining the provincial government’s policy and legislative priorities for the months ahead. The speech comes at a pivotal moment for Alberta, as it faces mounting economic and political pressures both domestically and internationally.
Alberta is currently navigating a turbulent trade environment, triggered by aggressive tariff actions from U.S. President Donald Trump. These include 25-35% levies on Canadian goods and energy products not covered under the CUSMA trade agreement. In response, the province has implemented non-tariff countermeasures such as procurement bans on U.S. products and the launch of a “Buy Alberta” campaign to support local businesses.
Premier Danielle Smith has also voiced strong criticism of the federal government, accusing it of failing to secure a new trade deal and of maintaining outdated Trudeau-era regulations that she argues obstruct Alberta’s resource development.
On the fiscal front, Alberta is projecting a $5.2 billion deficit for 2025–26, largely driven by contingency planning for trade disruptions and the early rollout of tax relief measures. Despite this, the province remains committed to maintaining the lowest net debt-to-GDP ratio in Canada.
The key highlights from the Throne Speech include:
- Economic Resilience & Growth: Commitment to fiscal discipline, with spending growth capped below inflation plus population growth.
- Tax Relief: Introduction of a new 8% personal income tax bracket for earnings up to $60,000.
- Heritage Fund Expansion: Plan to grow the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund to $35 billion by 2027.
- Energy Sector Support: Continued backing for Alberta’s energy industry, including regulatory streamlining and opposition to federal clean electricity mandates.
- Health Care Reform: Launch of the “Care-First” insurance model by 2027 to improve health care delivery.
- Procurement & Grant Reform: Comprehensive review of government grants and procurement practices.
- Interprovincial Trade & Labour Mobility: Measures to reduce internal trade barriers and enhance labour mobility across Canada.
- Education & Workforce Development: Alignment of post-secondary education with labour market needs, especially in trades and technology.
- Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness: Investments in emergency services and disaster response infrastructure.
- Support for Agriculture & Local Business: Reinforcement of the “Buy Alberta” initiative and support for farmers and agri-food producers.
- Federal Relations & Autonomy: Reassertion of Alberta’s right to self-determination in areas such as resource development, taxation, and trade policy.
As Alberta enters a new legislative session, the government is expected to move swiftly on several of these priorities, particularly in areas of economic resilience, health care reform, and provincial autonomy.
In addition, the upcoming United Conservative Party Annual General Meeting, scheduled for November 28–29 in Edmonton, will likely serve as a key forum for party members to debate and refine these policy directions, helping to set the tone for the months ahead.
We’re Here to Help
For more information and insights about what these developments mean for Canada’s political landscape, please contact:
For more information and insights about what these developments mean for Alberta’s political landscape, please contact:
Rick Fraser -Senior Strategy Advisor
rick@prairieskystrategy.ca
403.701.7584
Whitney Issik – Senior Strategy Advisor
whitney@prairieskystrategy.ca
403.815.2582
Dan Nielsen – Senior Strategy Advisor
dan@prairieskystrategy.ca
780.235.7625
Leigha Parsons – Senior Strategy Advisor
leigha@prairieskystrategy.ca
403.650.8191
Line Porfon – Senior Strategy Advisor
line@prairieskystrategy.ca
780.235.6267
Mat Steppan – Vice-President
mat@prairieskystrategy.ca
780.236.1543
Jeff Sterzuk – President
jeff@prairieskystrategy.ca
403.612.1724
Ben Thibault – Senior Strategy Advisor
ben@prairieskystrategy.ca
587.897.6261
Richard Truscott – Vice-President
richard@prairieskystrategy.ca
403.998.0494
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