Alberta
New direction in approach to COVID-19 testing in Alberta
From the Province of Alberta
Change in COVID-19 testing
Travellers returning to Alberta no longer automatically tested for COVID-19
A new approach to testing for COVID-19 that will prioritize groups at highest risk of local exposure and at-risk populations is being implemented in Alberta.
Travellers who returned to Alberta after March 12 and have mild symptoms will no longer be tested for COVID-19. Instead, the same advice applied to all Albertans will apply to them – to self-isolate at home and away from others. This change is effective going forward, so anyone who has already been told by Health Link that they will be tested will still get tested.
“Changing our testing protocols will allow us to focus Alberta’s testing capacity on those most at risk. This is consistent with the approach happening across Canada. It will enable us to strategically use our testing resources. Our new approach reflects the fact that the most important thing anyone can do if they have mild symptoms isn’t to get tested – it’s to stay home and self-isolate.”
Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer of Health
Testing will be prioritized for the following individuals, if they are symptomatic:
- People who are hospitalized with respiratory illness.
- Residents of continuing care and other similar facilities.
- People who returned from travelling abroad between March 8 and March 12 (before the self-isolation protocols were in place.
- Health-care workers with respiratory symptoms (this testing will begin later this week).
Anyone with symptoms who does not fit any of these categories should stay home and self-isolate for a minimum of 10 days from the start of their symptoms, or until symptoms resolve, whichever is longer.
The online self-assessment tool has been updated to reflect the change in testing for returning travellers.
Alberta Health Services is building extra capacity to be able to provide advice to returning travellers with symptoms, ensuring they are following proper medical directions including staying home and away from others, and monitoring their symptoms. These resources are expected to be in place later this week.
Alberta’s government is supporting liquor producers by enabling them to own, operate and sell their own products on large format bikes or “party bikes.”
Albertans out for a spin on a party bike or tavern tour will soon be able to sip locally made beers and spirits. Alberta’s government is updating the rules to give small liquor producers the green light to serve their own products on party bikes, removing an outdated barrier that had prevented local producers from advertising their own brands.
This is one of several red tape reduction changes to the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Regulation (GLCR) aimed at making life easier for small businesses and expanding responsible choices for consumers.
“We are proud that these amendments not only cut red tape in the retail segment of the liquor marketplace, but also directly open more opportunities for small manufacturers to grow their businesses.”
More freedom to grow: Liquor and cannabis reforms
In addition to the changes to party bikes, Alberta is making it easier for liquor retailers to set up shop in underused commercial space. Businesses that own or lease large buildings can now carve out a separate liquor store within their space, so long as it has its own entrance and full floor-to-ceiling walls separating it from other retail operations.
Alberta’s government is also rolling out a long-awaited change for cannabis producers: federally licensed cultivators and processors will now be able to apply for a retail licence to sell their products directly from the same property, commonly known as “farm-gate” sales. This move aligns Alberta with other provinces and gives consumers more access to homegrown cannabis products, while supporting licensed growers.
These targeted reforms are part of Alberta’s broader push to cut red tape, reduce regulatory burden, and promote a more competitive marketplace across the province.
Quick facts
- Alberta’s retail liquor industry is robust, with more than 35,000 products available across more than 1,600 retail stores
- Larger companies with other retail stores, operate multiple retail stores that have a liquor store on site, but in a separate building.
- There are 752 licenced cannabis retail stores in Alberta.
- There are 2,356 licensed cannabis products for sale in the province.
- All cannabis retailers must be licensed by AGLC.
- Licensed producers are regulated by Health Canada.
From the Fraser Institute
By Tegan Hill
According to last week’s fiscal update, the Smith government recorded a $8.3 billion surplus in 2024/25—$8 billion more than what the government projected in its original 2024 budget. But the good times won’t last forever.
Due largely to population growth, personal income tax revenue exceeded budget projections by $500 million. Business tax revenue exceeded budget expectations by $1.1 billion. And critically, thanks to relatively strong oil prices, resource revenue (e.g. oil and gas royalties) saw a $4.7 billion jump.
The large budget surplus is good news, particularly as it will be used to pay down government debt (which taxpayers must ultimately finance) and to invest for the future. But again, the good times could soon be over.
Recall, the Alberta government incurred a $17.0 billion budget deficit just a few years ago in 2020/21. And it wasn’t only due to COVID—until the recent string of surpluses, the government ran deficits almost every year since 2008/09, racking up significant amounts of debt, which still largely persists today. As a result, provincial government debt interest payments cost each Albertan $658 in 2024/25. Moreover, in February’s budget, the Smith government projected more deficits over the next three years.
Generally, Alberta’s fiscal fortunes follow the price of oil. Over the past decade, for example, resource revenue has been as low as $2.8 billion in 2015/16, while oil prices slumped to $US45.00 per barrel, and as high as $25.2 billion in 2022/23, when oil prices jumped to $US89.69 per barrel.
Put simply, resource revenue volatility fuels Alberta’s boom-and-bust cycle. In 2025/26, the West Texas Intermediate oil price will be a projected $US68.00 per barrel with projected resource revenue falling by $4.9 billion year-over-year.
But oil prices don’t need to dictate Alberta’s fiscal fortune. Indeed, if the Smith government restrains its spending, it can avoid deficits even when resource revenues fall.
There are plenty of ways to rein in spending. For instance, the government spends billions of dollars in subsidies (a.k.a. corporate welfare) to select industries and businesses in Alberta every year despite a significant body of research that shows these subsidies fail to generate widespread economic benefit. Eliminating these subsidies is a clear first step to deliver significant savings.
The budget surplus is undoubtedly positive for Albertans, but the good times could soon come to an end. To avoid deficits and debt accumulation moving forward, the Smith government should rein in spending.
Tegan Hill
Director, Alberta Policy, Fraser Institute
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