Alberta 2022 Budget Analysis

Written by Vibhu Kher, Research and Policy Practicum Student

This report analyses the Alberta Budget 2022 announced on February 24, and its future implications for Albertans. Using the social gradient framework outlined by Canadian Public Health [6], this report evaluates impacts of budget investments on Albertans’ Social Determinants of Health (SDH). This report focuses on the SDH factors such as Housing, Health Services and Education. Within these sectors, the report addresses affordable housing and the real estate market, post-pandemic job security, and social inclusion in conjunction with higher education investments. In healthcare the report highlights the privatisation and expansion of health services to for-profit companies and the mental health and addiction services in Alberta in response to the alarming opioid crisis.

The purpose of this analysis is to highlight key concerns that Budget 2022 leaves unaddressed compared to the advancements the Alberta Government hopes to make through provincial investments. This report also provides recommendations for further research and investigation into provincial investments and service delivery.