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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always

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Home Care In Edmonton, AB

Home Care Edmonton, AB

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Canadians, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in our country have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic The McLeod Building gets harder without someone by their side. However, as seniors grow older, sometimes they cannot live independently without someone by their side to provide care. Unfortunately, many older Canadians aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Edmonton, AB is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Edmonton, AB

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“Our family is very pleased with the care that is provided by Always Best Care. The staff are punctual and always willing to help with anything that is asked of them. My husband’s personal care aide has become a close friend and companion.”

Mary A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care has been providing my mom’s personal care since April 2024. They have been very helpful and hands-on in making sure my mom gets the best care possible. They are very open to suggestions and always eager to listen to our family’s needs as my mom’s situation keeps changing. Gladys and her company stands firm with carrying their company’s name - always giving the best care to their clients like my mom. I highly recommend their company. Thanks Gladys, Corrina and to all the caregivers. Our family appreciate all your care and support. ????????”

Jassie L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Awesome Team, all I got is love, understanding and Care. Always Best Care is such a wonderful family who are out to help persons from diverse backgrounds achieve their dreams along side as we all grow. All they do is listening to everyone and bringing out solutions to every aspects.All thanks to God”

Lekuna T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“They always have the best services both for clients and their caregivers. They are easy to communicate with 24/7. They always make sure that they have someone you can talk to whenever you need them. They make sure that everything is good both the client and their workers. 100% the best home care service.”

PRINCES M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care Senior Services treats its clients and staff members like family. It offers a flexible schedule and shows great respect for its employees. They create a welcoming environment and make a significant effort to connect you with clients who are within a reasonable driving distance.”

coolgirl123 C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The team at Always Best Care is very considerate and caring. They are in business for all the right reasons. Their experience and looking out for the seniors they take care of is what sets them apart from the rest.”

Andrea B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Such compassionate and experienced caregivers, Always best care senior services was the best choice we made to help my grandmother . Definitely, recommended !”

Rana A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“They have a very flexible schedule and they are very respectful towards there employees,they create a very welcoming environment.They make a lot effort to get you clients within a drivable distances.”

Giitah M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“We, as a family, are very happy and grateful for the compassionate care that is provided to our parents”

Alicia M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“It's great working with them. They are very transparent and open to communicate. The flexible hours are a huge benefit, and they are truly accommodating when it comes to aligning with your availability, ensuring a healthy work-life balance.”

Rose A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Gladys has been my nurse for quite sometime. She is always prompt and respectful of my needs. Cant say enough about her other than she is the best I could ever be fortunate enough to have”

Harold L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I knew Owen via community outreach, and he provided a different approach regarding their company’s services. The company provides wide-array services with holistic, trauma-informed care that meets our community's needs. The company also strives to provide culturally sensitive care and, if possible, match appropriate employees to their clients’ needs. I recommend that people contact their company regarding home care services.”

Maria E.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The staff are great. They listen to your needs and are well experienced”

jenney 1.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am so impressed with Always Best Care. My entire experience thus far has been amazing. I initially heard about this company from family friends who are using their services, and also saw their advertisement on social media. I required care for my elderly Uncle, who has early stage dementia and requires assistance at times. I called Always Best Care and spoke with Corrina, the company coordinator. She asked several questions to determine our needs and then arranged a time for Gladys, the company’s Registered Nurse to come to our home for a full assessment. It was the most pleasant visit and my Uncle felt at ease the entire time. We were given every opportunity to ask all the necessary questions to determine how much care my uncle required, the cost and what schedule would best suit his needs, and I was comfortable knowing that he would be able to remain in his own home, instead of having to go into an assisted living facility. This was so important to him. Gladys was able to provide the name of his caregiver, tell us our the caregivers qualifications and coordinate a set schedule for home visits. She reassured us this would all work within our budget. My Uncle’s caregiver is pleasant and compassionate, has great attention to detail and is very well suited for this role. We feel very relieved to know he can be helped with his personal hygiene, ensuring his medication is being taken on time, his shopping, his meal prep and so much more. Even if he requires a companion just to sit and have a chat with, or play a game, Always Best Care is here to help. I would highly recommend Always Best Care. From the first phone call you make , your first home assessment or daily or weekly home visits, you’ll certainly have such a sense of relief knowing your loved one is cared for by such a wonderful team.”

Susan K.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Edmonton, AB?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Edmonton, AB

Types of Elderly Care in Edmonton, AB

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Edmonton, AB
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Edmonton, AB
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite activities and hobbies while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Rundle Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Edmonton, AB
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy other activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress helps reduce the risks of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local La Ronde Revolving Restaurant or visit Rutherford House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

When it comes to non-medical home care, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Edmonton, AB

Benefits of Home Care in Edmonton, AB

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

Studies on aging have found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Edmonton, AB, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the CBC, aging in place can be more affordable than living in a retirement home, which can cost thousands of dollars a month, with no extra care included.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With ABC's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Edmonton, AB

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, some provinces in Canada help cover costs associated with home care. Review your province's laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.

During your Care Plan consultation with Always Best Care, your Care Coordinator will speak with you about in-home care costs and what options there may be to help meet your budget needs.

 Senior Care Edmonton, AB

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Edmonton, AB understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Edmonton, AB

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Edmonton, AB

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • MacTaggart Place, an Optima Living community
  • Laurel Heights, an Optima Living community
  • Rosedale Seniors' Living The Manor
  • Lewis Estates, an Optima Living community
  • Rutherford Heights, an Optima Living community
  • Chartwell Wescott Retirement Residence
Home Care Edmonton, AB

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Edmonton, AB

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced ABC Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your Care Plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Edmonton, AB 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Edmonton, AB

Latest News in Edmonton, AB

PRESS RELEASE: Resistance Rally at Legislature being organized to fight for a better Alberta

April 11, 2025EDMONTON – The Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL) and allies are organizing a “Resistance Rally” to be held at the Alberta Legislature on April 26, 2025. The rally is for all Albertans who are dissatisfied with the current direction being taken by the provincial government and who want to advocate for a stronger Alberta within a united Canada.WHEN: Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. WHERE: Alberta Legislature Building, 9820 – ...

April 11, 2025

EDMONTON – The Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL) and allies are organizing a “Resistance Rally” to be held at the Alberta Legislature on April 26, 2025. The rally is for all Albertans who are dissatisfied with the current direction being taken by the provincial government and who want to advocate for a stronger Alberta within a united Canada.

WHEN: Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. WHERE: Alberta Legislature Building, 9820 – 107 Street NW, Edmonton

“We’re holding this rally at a critical moment in history for Alberta and Canada,” said Gil McGowan, president of the Alberta Federation of Labour. “The Resistance Rally will be an opportunity for Albertans to say ‘NO!’ to the UCP’s Maple MAGA agenda and ‘Yes’ to an agenda that really puts Albertans first!”

“We believe in a better deal for workers and all Alberta families. What Albertans most need right now is a government with a vision for the long-term—a government that will invest in public services, steward the environment responsibly, and, above all, commit to a vision of economic growth that builds enduring prosperity in Alberta within a united Canada.”

The AFL organized the rally as a response to the current government’s agenda:

“It is no secret that Alberta’s premier is sympathetic to President Trump and that she prefers to undermine national unity rather than offer positive policy solutions for a stronger Canada,” said McGowan. “It’s very unfortunate. Now is the time to let go of old grievances and instead propose a forward-looking vision that will engage workers in nation-building projects that offer good jobs, develop the industries that will power our economy in the 21st century, and ensure a decent standard of living for all Albertans.”

The Resistance Rally is one of the highlights of a busy week for the AFL, coming on the second-last day the AFL’s 54th Constitutional Convention. Rally speakers will include Gil McGowan and Chris Smalls, founder of the Amazon Labor Union (ALU), who is visiting Edmonton that week from New Jersey, USA.

“There is in the UCP’s leadership of Alberta a dangerous parallel to Trump’s chaotic leadership of the United States,” said McGowan. “These are leaders who are well versed in the politics of division and exclusion. But the current economic crisis calls for the opposite of MAGA-lite policies in Canada. Danielle Smith and Pierre Poilievre are not ‘big-tent’ leaders, advocating for all Albertans, all Canadians. The Resistance Rally is for everyone who wants a more positive vision than what they are offering. We want economic opportunity for all, no one left behind, and no one excluded from our vibrant, diverse society.”

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MEDIA CONTACT: Laurence Miall Director of Communications and Campaigns, AFL Email: [email protected]

New Alberta bill allows hydrogen home heating, electricity market remodelling

Alberta's government is looking to give the green light to hydrogen as a home and commercial heating fuel in a move it says will boost demand and reduce emissions.If passed, legislation tabled by Utilities Minister Nathan Neudorf will allow utility companies to blend hydrogen into their supply of natural gas — provided customers sign off on receiving the blended heat source."Hydrogen presents an enormous opportunity and we want to ensure our province can remain a global leader," Neudorf said at a legislature new...

Alberta's government is looking to give the green light to hydrogen as a home and commercial heating fuel in a move it says will boost demand and reduce emissions.

If passed, legislation tabled by Utilities Minister Nathan Neudorf will allow utility companies to blend hydrogen into their supply of natural gas — provided customers sign off on receiving the blended heat source.

"Hydrogen presents an enormous opportunity and we want to ensure our province can remain a global leader," Neudorf said at a legislature news conference Thursday.

Neudorf says safety is top of mind and the province will work with regulators to set an acceptable blending rate, as hydrogen is easily ignitable and more explosive than methane.

The Energy and Utilities Statues Amendment Act also sets the stage for Alberta to make changes to its electricity market as part of a substantial system overhaul.

Market changes

Among those proposed changes is empowering the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) to determine who should pay for the costs of building new transmission infrastructure or bolstering the capacity of the existing system.

"We've heard Albertans and their frustration with rising transmission costs on their bills," Neudorf said.

He wants AESO to encourage power producers to build generators where lines already exist to manage rising transmission costs.

It's a policy that critics say would disadvantage renewable energy installations such as solar and wind, many of which need to be built in southern Alberta, where there is less transmission capacity.

AESO is in the midst of a multi-year consultation period called the Restructured Energy Market (REM) process.

The new bill would enable the AESO to bring in a "day-ahead electricity market," which requires companies to set power prices a day in advance to prevent cost spikes.

But on a website updating electricity market participants, AESO said last week that feedback has prompted them to abandon some initial plans for day-ahead pricing. Instead, the operator plans to keep and expand day-ahead pricing for power sources that can easily be adjusted, such as natural gas, nuclear or hydroelectricity.

Neudorf says the changes, which should take effect in 2027, ought to make electricity less expensive and more reliable.

His staff handed out quotations of support for the restructuring plans attributed to electricity sector corporate leaders.

But the feedback those same companies gave to the AESO earlier this year during consultations was more critical, raising concerns about affordability, reliability, and a design that was too theoretical.

"The market design is overprotective, limits competition and introduces unhedgeable risks which ultimately will make it uninvestible, negatively affect electricity reliability and affordability for Albertans in the long-term," reads a submission to AESO from ATCO Renewables.

Neudorf said the province has made changes since then that take industry feedback into account.

Critics see uncertain future

Jason Wang, senior electricity analyst at the Pembina Institute, says the evolving potential rules are creating uncertainty in the electricity market. That's a problem because the province's deregulated industry needs continual investment to ensure suppliers are generating enough power for the province, he said.

Wang said while the government is planning for options that could be available in the future, such as carbon capture, utilization and storage, and hydrogen power plants, it isn't adapting to use technology available now, like solar and wind power, energy storage, provincial interties, and devices that allow consumers to purchase power when it's cheaper.

"Alberta needs to be accelerating the use of solutions that are already available to us," Wang said.

He's also concerned to see the Alberta Utilities Commission, the industry regulator, won't have to approve any changes before they take effect to determine if they're in the public interest.

The government has said a new market will be in place in 2027.

However, NDP affordability and utilities critic Sharif Haji says the government has yet to show how the proposed changes will reduce power prices that have ballooned during the past few years.

Allowing energy companies to blend hydrogen with natural gas is an overdue step that has no clear timeline for implementation, Haji said.

ATCO has a hydrogen blending pilot project in Fort Saskatchewan, where around 2,100 customers receive between 0 and 5 per cent hydrogen in their natural gas.

Should the bill pass, suppliers could blend up to 20 per cent of natural gas with hydrogen, should customers support this move, and only those who are consuming the hydrogen would pay for the equipment needed to supply it.

Skeptics of the technique say the upstream emissions required to generate hydrogen gas put its emissions reduction credibility into question, and that hydrogen gas has higher safety and explosion risks.

In an email statement, ATCO spokesperson Kurt Kadatz said the bill is an "important first step" to expand hydrogen's use in the heat market. The company is still analyzing how it could affect future investment, he said.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Provincial affairs reporter

Janet French covers the Alberta Legislature for CBC Edmonton. She previously spent 15 years working at newspapers, including the Edmonton Journal and Saskatoon StarPhoenix. You can reach her at [email protected].

With files from The Canadian Press

CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices·About CBC News

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Tim Hortons customers in southeast Edmonton may have been exposed to hepatitis A

Article contentHealth officials are warning of possible hepatitis A exposure to diners who ate at a Tim Hortons in southeast Edmonton between Feb. 20 and March 5.Alberta Health Services confirms a food preparer working at Milbourne Market Mall at 7535 38 Ave. NW was infectious in that time window, and individuals who consumed food or drink there should immediately contact Health Link at 1-866-301-2668.Article contentThose who ate at the Tim Hortons from March 1-5 may be eligible for a vaccine, which can ward off...

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Health officials are warning of possible hepatitis A exposure to diners who ate at a Tim Hortons in southeast Edmonton between Feb. 20 and March 5.

Alberta Health Services confirms a food preparer working at Milbourne Market Mall at 7535 38 Ave. NW was infectious in that time window, and individuals who consumed food or drink there should immediately contact Health Link at 1-866-301-2668.

Article content

Those who ate at the Tim Hortons from March 1-5 may be eligible for a vaccine, which can ward off the illness if it is given within 14 days of exposure, AHS said in a news release.

“The single dose of vaccine provided at the clinic is sufficient to protect a potentially affected individual from this hepatitis A exposure,” the release said.

Anyone who was a customer at the restaurant between Feb. 20-28 is no longer eligible for post-exposure immunization. AHS advises that this group watch for hepatitis A symptoms for 50 days and contact their doctor if any develop.

Symptoms of hepatitis A may include: tiredness; poor appetite; nausea and vomiting; abdominal pain and fever; followed by dark-coloured urine, light-coloured stools, and yellowing of eyes and skin several days later.

Some people, especially young children, may get hepatitis A infection without noticing any symptoms, but they are still infectious to others.

Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver caused by a virus. Spread through the fecal-oral route, individuals primarily contract hepatitis A through direct contact with an infected person, but individuals can also contract the illness indirectly by ingestion of contaminated food or water.

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If a carrier does not properly wash their hands after using the washroom, the virus can be transmitted through food and beverages prepared by the infected individual.

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