Alberta Says Goodbye to Seasonal Time Changes!
Starting November 1, 2026, Alberta will move to permanent Alberta Time (ABT), meaning we will no longer change our clocks twice a year. Clocks will not be turned back this fall, and Alberta will remain on the same time year-round. One less thing to remember!
Don’t Miss Our Upcoming Staff Meetings!
Make time to join us at our upcoming staff meetings! Corporate Services will be sharing a year-end presentation, highlighting some of the year’s updates and discussing exciting new changes coming in the year ahead. Plus, we have a fun surprise planned to wrap up the year!
Come connect with your coworkers, stay in the loop, and find out what’s coming next. We hope to see you there!
Alberta Legislation Update
The Fiscal Measures Statutes Amendment Act (Formerly Bill 17) will amend the following legislation to the Alberta Personal Income Tax. This means Alberta will combine the existing caregiver and infirm dependant tax credits into one Alberta Caregiver Credit.
The new credit will:
- Keep the same credit amount and income threshold as the current caregiver credit.
- Remain non-refundable, meaning it can reduce the income tax you owe but will not result in a refund on its own.
- Allow eligible taxpayers to claim the credit for an infirm spouse, but not for a healthy parent or grandparent over age 65 who lives with them.
These changes align Alberta with the federal government and other provinces, including Ontario and British Columbia, which have combined similar tax credits.
Alberta Pharmacy and Drug Coverage Changes
Effective October 1, 2026
Several changes to pharmacy services and drug coverage have taken effect in Alberta. These updates aim to make medication access easier, maintain drug coverage and protect employees who continue working after age 65.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Fewer trips to the pharmacy: People taking regular medications for ongoing health conditions may now receive up to a three-month supply at a time. Those who need daily or more frequent dispensing will continue to receive it when required.
- Private benefits used first: Albertans with private or employer-sponsored drug coverage must use those benefits before government drug plans cover eligible costs. Government coverage may still help eligible individuals if their private coverage runs out or reaches its annual limit. There are no changes for those who rely solely on government-sponsored drug coverage.
- Protection for employees aged 65 and older: Employers cannot end, reduce or change employer-sponsored drug and supplemental health benefits solely because an employee turns 65.
- Naloxone kits remain available: Free naloxone kits will continue to be available through pharmacies and community organizations. Pharmacies will generally require a valid Alberta health care card and provide one kit at a time. Community organizations will continue to offer kits without these restrictions.
These changes are intended to help Albertans continue accessing the medications and benefits they need while managing the rising costs of health care.
Winter Safety: On and Off the Clock
Winter conditions can change quickly. Before walking, driving, or working outdoors, check the conditions, slow down, and choose the safest route.
At Work: Start Safe Before You Step Outside
- Wear the right footwear. Choose footwear with good tread and use traction aids when needed.
- Use a cleared route. Watch for ice near entrances, curbs, stairs, ramps, and parked vehicles.
- Walk slowly. Take small, steady steps, keep your hands free, and use handrails.
- Stay clear of equipment. Don’t enter areas where snow removal equipment is operating.
If You See Unsafe Snow or Ice Conditions
- Use another route if possible.
- Warn others and restrict access if the area cannot be made safe right away.
- Report the hazard to your Supervisor, Manager, or Site Maintenance.
- If snow or ice control is part of your job, follow the site Snow Removal Plan and safe work practices. ALWAYS wear the required clothing, outerwear, gloves, footwear, or traction aids. Note snow and ice treatment in the locations log.
The key is to keep main entrances, emergency exits, accessible ramps, loading areas, and key walkways usable. If conditions change, stop and reassess the task.
Off the Clock: Use the Same Safe Habits
- Check the forecast and road conditions before leaving. Delay non-essential trips during severe weather.
- Wear warm layers and boots with good tread. Use traction aids when needed.
- Keep steps, sidewalks, and driveways clear. Apply gravel or ice melt as directed.
- Carry a charged phone and allow extra travel time.
Winter Driving Basics
- Clear snow and ice from all windows, mirrors, lights, and the roof.
- On extreme weather days, leave early to help prevent rushing.
- Slow down, leave extra space
- Steer, brake, and accelerate gently.
- Watch for ice on bridges, ramps, intersections, and shaded roads.
- Keep warm clothing, a blanket, flashlight, scraper, shovel, and phone charger in your vehicle.
- If driving becomes unsafe, pull over in a safe place and wait for conditions to improve.
Stay safe and warm this winter. Taking a few extra moments to check conditions and look out for one another can help everyone get to work and home safely.