Budget 2026 is focused on growing a highly skilled workforce

By Lethbridge Herald on February 28, 2026.

Herald Photo by Alejandra Pulido-Guzman Budget 2026 is allocating $35 million over two years to develop the University of Lethbridge Rural Medical Teaching School.

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman

Lethbridge Herald

Minister of Advanced Education Myles McDougall, says a strong economy starts with a strong post-secondary system and Budget 2026 invests in the programs, training spaces and campus infrastructure needed to prepare Alberta’s students for the jobs of today and tomorrow.

“We are growing capacity in high-demand fields, supporting apprenticeships and keeping education accessible and affordable, because when Albertans succeed, our province succeeds,” says McDougall. 

• $2.7 billion for post-secondary operations, an increase of $148 million from 2025-26.
• $353 million in continued support for existing targeted enrolment expansion over three years. 
• An additional $148 million over three years to increase capacity and create new seats in programs including engineering, health care and education. 
• $1.3 billion for student loans, grants, scholarships, and awards. 

This includes: 

• $100 million to support foundational learning through assistance grants. 
• $96 million through the Apprenticeship Learning Grant.
• $75 million in student aid grants and an additional $36 million in scholarships and awards.
• $887 million in student loans issued at low interest rates.
• $483 million over three years in capital maintenance and renewal funding. 

Also $1.8 billion over three years for crucial post-secondary facilities, including capital projects, capital maintenance and renewal funding, and post-secondary institution self-financed contributions. 

This includes $35 million over two years for the development of University of Lethbridge Rural Medical Teaching School, supporting the training of health care professionals in southeastern Alberta. 

President and Vice-Chancellor Digvir Jayas, says the University of Lethbridge welcomes the investments outlined in Alberta’s Budget 2026, including new funding to expand seats in high-demand programs, an increase to the Campus Alberta operating grant, and continued support for critical capital projects.

“A particularly important element of this budget is the increase to the Campus Alberta operating grant, marking a much-needed reinvestment in the core operations of Alberta’s post-secondary institutions,” says Jayas.  

He says stable, predictable operating funding is essential to maintaining program quality, supporting faculty and staff, and ensuring students continue to receive a high-quality learning experience. 

“Targeted funding for programs in engineering, health care and education will further strengthen our impact, and we look forward to learning more about these investments,” says Jayas.

He adds that the government has also increased capital renewal funding, which will help maintain essential campus infrastructure.

“We appreciate the confirmation of previously committed capital funding for the Southern Alberta Medical Program. This support allows renovations to the Community Centre for Wellbeing to continue as the program prepares to welcome its first cohort of medical students in July,” says Jayas. 

He says this investment will ensure the program’s new 5,000-square-metre, purpose-built medical education and clinic facility is fully operational in July 2027.

Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade, and Immigration Joseph Schow says that by investing in the future and growing the economy, Alberta’s government is keeping Alberta as the best place to live, work and raise a family. 

“We’re helping businesses grow and export, attracting skilled workers, advancing a more sustainable, Alberta-focused approach to immigration, supporting safe, fair and healthy workplaces and building strong, welcoming communities across the province,” says Schow. 

Budget 2026 helps attract and develop the skilled workforce with: 

• $115 million in 2026-27 for skills and training programs and workforce initiatives to help attract and develop skilled workers to meet the demands of a growing economy. 
• $246 million in 2026-27 for Career and Employment Services, including an $80 million increase, to Career and Employment Services.
• $125 million, or $385 million over three years, for the Innovation Employment Grant Program, to help tech entrepreneurs grow new companies and create new jobs. 
• $8 million over three years to establish a new DNA lab which will speed up investigations and prosecutions and reduce reliance on the RCMP’s national lab.
• $2.1 billion for continued support for affordable childcare so more parents can pursue training, education, and work opportunities.