Last week’s provincial budget delivered a major commitment to Alberta’s construction sector. With the theme of Focused on What Matters, Budget 2026’s three-year Capital Plan is forecast at $28.3 billion, which is a $2.2 billion increase from Budget 2025. For 2026-27, capital spending is forecast at $8.7 billion; $48 million more than estimated in Budget 2025. This historic increase in capital investment is directed at public services infrastructure across the province including schools, hospitals, and critical community facilities to better meet Alberta’s growing population demands. For construction employers, this budget represents a significant and sustained opportunity. The scale of capital spending being deployed means increased project flow, stronger workforce demand, and a growing need for the kind of skilled and experienced contractors that CLRA represents. We continue to work with the government to ensure our members are actively considered for these projects. However, the increased spending does create fiscal challenges for the province. Last week’s provincial budget highlighted the challenges of declining resource revenues and rising cost pressures, with total spending rising to $83.9 billion, up from $4.5 billion last year, and a $9.4 billion deficit is projected for 2026-27. Detailed information on the budget can be found on the

New population projections from Statistics Canada and analysis from ATB Financial show Alberta is set to lead the country in growth over the next 25 years. For the construction industry, more people means more demand for housing, infrastructure and commercial development. The Numbers Alberta’s population will grow by between 1.4 and 3.1 million people over the next 25 years depending on which growth scenario unfolds. Under medium projected growth, the province’s population grows from about 5 million residents today to over 7.3 million by 2050, a 46% increase – the highest of any province. The national population will grow by a more modest 17% over the same period. Alberta’s population growth is at least double the national average in all scenarios. Annual growth in Alberta will average 1.5% over the projection period compared to 0.6% nationally. International migration will account for just over half of Alberta’s population growth to 2050, with interprovincial migration accounting for 29.4% and natural increase accounting for 18.5%. Alberta is one of only two provinces projected to see ongoing gains from interprovincial migration, meaning people are choosing to move here from other parts of Canada. What This Means for Construction A population increase of 2.3 million

NAIT has formed a Skilled Trades Council to guide planning for its Advanced Skills Centre (ASC), a training facility that will add capacity for 5,500 additional trades learners every year at its Edmonton campus. Who is on the Council The Skilled Trades Council includes Naseem Bashir, Co‑Chair and Executive Chair of Originus Ltd., Doreen Cole, Co‑Chair and Alberta energy executive, Carla Madra, CEO of Women Building Futures, and Jason Portas, Vice President at PCL Construction. Together they bring experience leading major energy operations, delivering complex infrastructure projects, advancing workforce development and driving innovation across engineering and technology. Their role is to ensure the ASC reflects the realities of modern worksites and the future of the industries it is built to serve. CLRA is grateful for the leadership and time these council members are contributing as Alberta works to strengthen the province’s skilled trades training capacity. What Is the Advanced Skills Centre The ASC will bring together 29 trades and technology programs under one roof, enabling NAIT to train more than 15,000 students annually across industries. The facility is in its final year of planning and design and is backed by provincial funding. The ASC is a new, long-term investment in