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
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, 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 Sherwood Park, AB is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 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.
“Our family is very pleased with the care that is provided by Always Best Care.”
“Always Best Care has been providing my mom’s personal care since April 2024. They have”
“Awesome Team, all I got is love, understanding and Care. Always Best Care is such”
“They always have the best services both for clients and their caregivers. They are easy”
“Always Best Care Senior Services treats its clients and staff members like family. It offers”
“The team at Always Best Care is very considerate and caring. They are in business”
“Such compassionate and experienced caregivers, Always best care senior services was the best choice”
“They have a very flexible schedule and they are very respectful towards there employees,they create”
“We, as a family, are very happy and grateful for the compassionate care that is”
“It's great working with them. They are very transparent and open to communicate. The flexible”
“Gladys has been my nurse for quite sometime. She is always prompt and respectful of”
“I knew Owen via community outreach, and he provided a different approach regarding their company’s”
“The staff are great. They listen to your needs and are well experienced”
“I am so impressed with Always Best Care. My entire experience thus far has been”
“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.”
“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. ????????”
“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”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Such compassionate and experienced caregivers, Always best care senior services was the best choice we made to help my grandmother . Definitely, recommended !”
“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.”
“We, as a family, are very happy and grateful for the compassionate care that is provided to our parents”
“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.”
“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”
“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.”
“The staff are great. They listen to your needs and are well experienced”
“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.”
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.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
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.
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.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home 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:
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:
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.
Common companionship services include:
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. 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.
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:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
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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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.
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 Sherwood Park, 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.
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:
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.
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 Sherwood Park, 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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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
A draft of your Care Plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
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 Sherwood Park, 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.
Article contentSherwood Park’s NDP MLA Kyle Kasawski is sounding off on the 2025 Alberta Budget, saying it’s ignoring investment in key priorities for Albertans while running up a deficit of $5.2 billion.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentIn an interview on Monday, March 3, the local MLA outlined that the provincial budget tabled last Thursday does not provide significant investment in health care, public education, and critical infrastructure that will make the economy more producti...
Sherwood Park’s NDP MLA Kyle Kasawski is sounding off on the 2025 Alberta Budget, saying it’s ignoring investment in key priorities for Albertans while running up a deficit of $5.2 billion.
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In an interview on Monday, March 3, the local MLA outlined that the provincial budget tabled last Thursday does not provide significant investment in health care, public education, and critical infrastructure that will make the economy more productive. Kasawski was worried by the larger deficit and wanted a better contingency plan in place to deal with impeding U.S. tariffs.
“Especially with the U.S. administration and the changes that they’ve been making, the overall thing that we’re hearing is there’s a lot of nervousness and uncertainty. It’s going to put a chill on investment. (The UCP government) had the opportunity to get ready for the U.S. tariffs and there has been no plan put in place to deal with the coming tariffs,” the Sherwood Park MLA said. “This is not a forward-looking budget.”
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In response to the budget highlight of a $1.2-billion income tax cut, which could equate up to $750 for individual Albertans, Kasawski said the province is increasing impacts on people’s pocketbooks in other areas.
“What’s interesting is that Alberta is still going to have a personal higher tax rate than B.C. and Ontario. What I find so interesting with this budget is that people can expect a 14 per cent increase on the provincial portion of their municipal taxes (the education property tax, which is collected by municipalities),” Kasawski noted. “We’re actually robbing Peter to pay Paul. The province is going to run a deficit, provide a small tax cut which equates about $2 a day for Albertans who are working, and then increase property taxes by 14, so they’re downloading and mandating a property tax increase on Albertans.”
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Kasawski went on to say that $750 tax cut is a moot point when Albertans are already dealing with a 15 per cent increase in auto insurance rates, and utility bills have increased by 40 per cent under the UCP over the last two years.
“This $2 a day is good, but it’s not doing much when you look at how the cost of living is increasing in Alberta,” he added.
Beyond the $1 million earmarked for more planning of a possible expansion of the Strathcona Community Hospital, Kasawski would have liked to see the budget include more investment in the local hospital, citing there is an increased need for hospital services across the Edmonton region.
Another omission from the budget was further investment into the much-needed Highway 15 and 830 overpass near Shell Scotford, which would ease congestion caused by the crossing railway tracks. In Budget 2023, the UCP government announced $750,000 over three years for planning and engineering for that project.
“We can’t seem to get the province to move that forward in a timely fashion. We know it’s hugely important to Shell Scotford, Dow, and other industrial players in the Scotford area. That overpass is critical infrastructure and we know it would allow the region to be more productive,” Kasawski said.
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Article contentThe Government of Alberta is seeking feedback regarding the ongoing changes being implemented in the province’s health care system.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentA continuation of public engagement sessions hosted last year in 65 locations around the province, the government welcomed residents from Fort Saskatchewan and surrounding areas on Tuesday, Feb. 11 to provide feedback and discuss what has been dubbed by the province as it’s refocusing plan.Though un...
The Government of Alberta is seeking feedback regarding the ongoing changes being implemented in the province’s health care system.
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A continuation of public engagement sessions hosted last year in 65 locations around the province, the government welcomed residents from Fort Saskatchewan and surrounding areas on Tuesday, Feb. 11 to provide feedback and discuss what has been dubbed by the province as it’s refocusing plan.
Though unable to attend the session in-person, Minister of Health, Adriana LaGrange addressed attendees in a video, reiterating the province’s commitment to improving the health care system as a new ‘unified’ provincial sector-based model is introduced.
“What we are building is a health care system that ensures every Albertan, regardless of where you live or what stage of life you are in, has access to the care that you need. Transparency, communication, and collaboration with Albertans have been cornerstones of our work throughout the whole refocusing process,” said LaGrange.
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Sharing the same sentiment was Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk, who welcomed attendees at the Tuesday session and spoke to the importance of public engagement.
“We are given this opportunity in Fort Saskatchewan at what continues to be a pivotal time in our government’s journey to refocus healthcare in Alberta,” said Armstrong-Homeniuk. “This new unified health care system will have a strong foundation informed by real people, real stories, and real experiences.”
Since the last public engagement sessions, which took place from Fall 2023 to Spring 2024, new legislation has been enacted under the Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2024, formerly known as Bill 22. Changes under this act include the establishments of Recovery Alberta in July 2024, Primary Care Alberta in November 2024, and Acute Care Alberta in February 2025. In April 2025, Assisted Living Alberta will be legally established. The four new provincial health agencies will play a role in the four pillars of care which include acute care, continuing care, mental health and addictions, and primary care.
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In addition to the four new agencies, Regional Advisory Councils will be established to reflect local voices by advising the government and health agencies on clinical service planning, capital, and workforce, collaborating with community partners to identify issues and possibly solutions, and identify opportunities to allow for better support to communities. The Indigenous Advisory Council will also be responsible for giving feedback as well as providing Indigenous perspectives and informing the design and delivery of culturally appropriate health care that integrates traditional ways of knowing.
Under the Health Statutes Amendment Act, the role of the Minister of Health has been enhanced to ensure the accountability of new provincial health agencies.
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“The Minister of Health is responsible for the entirety of the system, sets policy, direction, performance targets, holds providers accountable, the one shift though is that there are two ministers now who each have their own specific responsibilities. Minister of Mental Health and Addiction, and Minister of Seniors Community and Social Services, said assistant Deputy Minister Matthew Hebert.
Presenting an overview of the changes in service delivery Hebert outlined the new structure that will continue to be implemented.
“(The) refocus is about a shift in how the healthcare system is organized, how it is governed, moving towards a sector focused but unified provincial model. This is a shift away from Alberta Health Services being the province’s single health authority with very broad oversight, very broad delivery responsibilities to something that is more focused on the four pillars of care,” said Hebert.
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In response to feedback provided at last year’s sessions, the government has presented a long list of actions being taken to improve areas of concern including access to care, communication and transparency, supporting the health care work force, and the needs of rural communities. Among the actions outlined is the Alberta Surgical Initiative Capital Program to expand existing operating rooms, the Nurse Practitioner Program allowing nurse practitioners to provide independent care, and increased educational opportunities to allow for the training of more healthcare workers.
Allowing attendees the opportunity to discuss the changes presented, common themes presented were concerns about the communication between AHS, patients, and citizens, including ensuring Albertans are aware of the resources available to them, a need for metrics measuring the progress and challenges in the healthcare system that is shared with citizens, a lack of care providers as the population continues to grow, and costs of aging and continuing care.
A public engagement session will take place in Sherwood Park on Tuesday, March 25 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. To register, visit alberta.ca/refocusing-health-care-in-alberta and select Albertans.
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Article contentIn 1976, Premier Peter Lougheed established Alberta’s sovereign wealth fund — the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund (AHSTF) — with a vision to save for the future, strengthen our economy, and improve the quality of life for Albertans. Since then, Alberta’s government has embraced this mandate, ensuring responsible stewardship of savings from our natural resources with pride and dedication.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentNow, United Conservatives are co...
In 1976, Premier Peter Lougheed established Alberta’s sovereign wealth fund — the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund (AHSTF) — with a vision to save for the future, strengthen our economy, and improve the quality of life for Albertans. Since then, Alberta’s government has embraced this mandate, ensuring responsible stewardship of savings from our natural resources with pride and dedication.
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Now, United Conservatives are committed to reinforcing and expanding our sovereign wealth fund to match the success of similar funds worldwide. Premier Danielle Smith and Finance Minister Nate Horner have engaged with leaders of some of the world’s largest and most successful sovereign wealth funds, gathering the expertise necessary to modernize and enhance the AHSTF. This outreach is critical to adopting a sophisticated, forward-looking strategy for Alberta’s financial future.
With the planning phase complete, United Conservatives have developed a comprehensive strategy centred on preserving and growing the fund’s assets. If properly managed, the AHSTF can significantly reduce — or even eliminate — Alberta’s economic dependence on the energy sector. In today’s unpredictable geopolitical and trade environment, mitigating the impact of slowdowns in oil and gas markets is essential for Alberta’s long-term economic stability.
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Deposits into the AHSTF will come from a portion of revenues generated by the oil and gas sector. Alberta’s government is leveraging insights from leading sovereign wealth funds in Japan, Norway, Australia, and the UAE to develop a world-class investment strategy. Over the next two decades, the plan is to grow the AHSTF to $250 billion, creating a financial foundation that will enable Albertans not only to withstand economic fluctuations but to thrive in an evolving global landscape.
A key component of this strategy is the establishment of the Heritage Fund Opportunities Corporation, an independent governance structure designed to maximize returns and strategically reinvest funds. By following the proven models of successful sovereign wealth funds, Alberta will gain access to top-tier investment opportunities while reducing reliance on volatile resource revenues. Most importantly, this approach secures a lasting financial legacy for future generations.
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Premier Smith and the United Conservatives are taking decisive action to restore the Heritage Fund to its intended purpose: saving prosperity today to ensure a thriving Alberta tomorrow. With an initial $2 billion deposit and a clear roadmap for growth, we are strengthening Alberta’s financial future while maintaining a responsible and disciplined approach to economic management. This plan is more than just numbers — it’s about ensuring that Alberta remains resilient, prosperous, and prepared for whatever challenges and opportunities lie ahead.
Nate Glubish is the MLA for Strathcona-Sherwood Park. If you have questions about this column or any provincial government issues, he would like to hear from you. Contact Glubish’s constituency office at 780-416-2492 or by email to [email protected].
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Article contentThis is Part Four of Postmedia’s How Canada Wins series.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentA part of this region’s short term and long term economic success is linked to the current prosperity and future investment in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland (AIH).In a one-on-one interview with Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association’s executive director Mark Plamondon, The News asked what’s needed now and going forward to continue th...
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A part of this region’s short term and long term economic success is linked to the current prosperity and future investment in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland (AIH).
In a one-on-one interview with Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association’s executive director Mark Plamondon, The News asked what’s needed now and going forward to continue the area’s development and boost investment. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Q: For both the short and long term, what’s needed for infrastructure to support Alberta’s Industrial Heartland?
A: The main assets that will help drive additional development in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland ironically aren’t in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland — they’re on route and at the Port of Prince Rupert.
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We’ve been telling the federal government that the regulatory framework and how long it takes to get stuff done is something that could be improved upon for the benefit of the competitiveness of Alberta’s Industrial Heartland. So, port assets and infrastructure and additional of debottle-necking improvements to the rail network between the Heartland and Port of Prince Rupert, that’s the best thing that could happen in the short and longterm because none of this happens quickly.
The diversity of markets is a standard sort of business risk mitigation strategy, you want to have as a diverse of geographies as you possible can and a diverse customer base. That way, you’re not exposed to the swings of one market, one geography or one customer. Having substantial connectivity to the West Coast, really expanding those port assets, means we can move more products to the Asian markets. It will benefit Alberta and Canada because it leads to market diversification.
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Q: What kind of federal or provincial regulations or policies would be beneficial to change, improve, or stop to ensure more investment and growth?
A: Some of the incentives that are already in place are very meaningful and effective. The Alberta Petrochemical Incentive Program from the Government of Alberta is a very transparent, criteria-based incentive program that’s very effective. Coupled that with the municipal Heartland Incentive policy that municipalities in the AIH offer and pair that with some of the investment tax credits and accelerated capital cost allowances at the federal level.
All of those stacked together are a meaningful suite of incentives and we want to see those continued or extended. With a new prime minister and federal cabinet, and with a potential federal election coming up, these incentives are important to ensure we’ve got a competitive framework here in the Heartland.
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Q: How has the introduction of the Designated Industrial Zoning (DIZ) by the province help make the area more competitive? DIZ was announced in 2022 as a pilot idea and was fully implemented after September 2024.
A: A Designated Industrial Zone is intended to streamline the regulator framework if a project proponent is constructing their facilities in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland. It has substantially reduced the amount of time needed to move projects forward. The scrutiny is still there but the time it takes to move it through the process is much faster.
It really levels the playing field from a regulatory standpoint between ourselves and the Golf Coast. Years ago, I say we would have lagged behind, but with DIZ, I’d say we’re a leader.
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Q: When Dow Canada announced its $10 billion Path2Zero Project, $10 billion, net-zero petrochemical project, one of the top concerns was having a labour force to support the build. Where are we on bolstering the future need labour force to support future investment and projects in the AIH?
A: Labour, the availability of manpower, is crucial and you need it to build these types of facilities and to ensure future investment. There is a gap there between the needs of new demand and attrition offset by the supply of new labour, whether that’s through new entrance or immigrant. The gap can be filled through the mobility of labour, whether that’s mobilization within the province or interprovincially — people will move to where the work is, or international participation as the workforce needs continue to require it.
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Q: Keeping in mind that planning for ATCO’s Yellowhead Mainline pipeline into the Heartland is underway, which will deliver 1,200 terajoules or 1.1 billion cubic feet of natural gas into AIH per day, what kind of future energy loads or other energy supports will be needed in the Heartland?
A: We’re so fortunate here in the AIH that we’re just on the doorstep of all of this low-cost natural gas and having the capability for carbon management through carbon capture and storage projects.
There was an article that just came out saying there is substantially more natural gas in Alberta than previously thought, so then the conversation then becomes what infrastructure is needed to bring that into this region for additional processing. As demand grows, that infrastructure will be built.
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Q: With more than $45 billion in capital investment, that has resulted in 30,000 direct and indirect jobs over the last 10 years, what are your thoughts on the pace of growth for the AIH?
A: We are on a substantial growth profile right now. The Industrial Heartland has had a lot of recent announcements that illustrates the kind of advantages here. Of course, Dow’s Path2Zero is the big one, but then there’s Linde’s clean hydrogen project, Pembina’s RFS IV expansion (a propane-plus fractionator at its Redwater complex), Plains Midstream’s fractionator expansion, and Keyera’s expansion at its NGL processing and storage facility.
You can just see all of the activity that’s happening in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland. We are on a substantial growth curve right now. It’s driven by this low-cost feedstock in addition to the carbon management capability of this region, which is very attractive.
A: How much potential does the AIH have in capturing the next $45 billion in investment?
Q: We have tremendous land availability that is designed and planned for heavy industrial development, so land won’t be a constraint. As the Designated Industrial Zone grows, you’ll continue to see world-leading technology development for environmental management. Put that together with the carbon management capability, I think the future is very bright for Alberta’s Industrial Heartland.”
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