Province invests in northern Alberta workforce program

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on January 8, 2025.

newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com

Alberta’s government announced Tuesday it would be investing an additional $450,000 into the Northern Alberta Development Bursary program that will help 50 students receive support for post-secondary costs ranging from certificates and diplomas to bachelor’s, masters or PhD programs.

In 50 years NADB has already provided higher education funding for more than 7,1000 students across Alberta helping them jump-start their careers by reducing the financial burden.

Through the program students can receive up to $11,500 per year to cover post-secondary expenses and provide funding in a range of learning opportunities with a goal to help retain talent in northern Alberta.

“This investment will bolster opportunities in high-demand fields for young professionals, such as health care, teaching and social work,” states the press release.

This year specifically, the bursary funding will specifically benefit First Nations, Métis and Inuit students in the FNMI bursary and those applying for the Northern Alberta Development Council bursary.

“Our government is committed to ensuring that Alberta’s labour market needs are met across the province,” says Rajan Sawhney, minister of advanced education. “This important investment will empower more students in northern Alberta to pursue one of the many post-secondary education opportunities our province has to offer while helping meet northern Alberta’s current and future workforce needs.”

Over the last two years the province has increased funding for the NADB program by more than $1 million.

Inclusive kids sports

On Tuesday the province also announced it is investing $500,000 in the AMP Legacy Foundation of Canada that works to make hockey more inclusive for children with disabilities.

AMP works with children by creating programs that foster physical activity and host events including mixed-ability jamborees for adaptive and able-body athletes and support the first Tier 1 NHL-affiliated sledge hockey team in Canada.

The provincial investment will go toward its Community Champions Program that gives Grade 3 students of all abilities the opportunity to play para hockey, including sledge and roller hockey for no cost.

“The AMP Legacy Foundation of Canada does amazing work in building inclusive communities through adaptive sports,” says Jason Nixon, minister of senior, community and social service. “Their work is truly inspiring, and I know this funding will play a key role in helping them make sport more accessible and improve the lives of more young Albertans.”

The one-time investment will help the program, based in Calgary, expand into Edmonton and will be offered to more than 2,000 Grade 3 students this school year.

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