On February 24, 2022, Finance Minister Travis Toews presented the Government of Alberta’s Budget 2022, Moving Forward. The Alberta Community & Co-operative Association (ACCA) is pleased to see a balanced budget, and the continued commitment to reducing red tape which is making it easier for businesses to grow and thrive in our province.

We are particularly interested in the recently announced “Alberta at Work” initiative, which will provide over $600 million in additional funding over the next three years for a collection of new post-secondary education, skills training opportunities and employment programs. This includes $73 million over three years to help make Alberta an internationally recognized technology and innovation hub, $64 million over three years to enhance Alberta’s proven skills development, training, and employment programs. It also includes $15 million more over three years for the creation of a new rural investment attraction stream that will aid in attracting investment and creating jobs. While details are still forthcoming on this program, we hope that co-operatives across Alberta will be able to access this program and continue to support Alberta’s economic recovery.

Alberta co-operatives employ over 15,000 people in every corner of our province and collectively contribute billions of dollars into the Alberta economy. What’s more, the money invested in one of the over 680 Alberta co-operatives stays in Alberta, contributing to both economic growth and social cohesion. Co-operatives are also a proven vehicle for sustainable enterprise – according to a recent study, co-operative business have a 70% higher survival rate compared to traditional business. The ACCA would welcome the opportunity to present the business case for collaborative investment in the sector and become a key stakeholder in future budgetary discussions. Together, let’s make Alberta the friendliest place in the world for co-operatives.