Alberta’s new infrastructure minister is promising to meet the demand for expanded public infrastructure, with an emphasis on education.
West Yellowhead MLA Martin Long, who has previously served in three parliamentary secretary positions, was sworn in as minister of infrastructure on Feb. 27.
“Our province is growing and I’m excited to lead a ministry that will continue building infrastructure to meet the needs of Albertans today and into the future,” Long said in an email. “I also look forward to accelerating construction timelines where feasible while reducing costs and reducing red tape and costs for contracted businesses.”
Long is replacing Peter Guthrie, who resigned last month over a lack of confidence in the government's procurement practices.
“I am pleased to welcome Martin to Alberta’s cabinet,” said Premier Danielle Smith in a news release. “He is an extremely hard worker, and I have full confidence in his ability to work with me and our cabinet colleagues to deliver on our government’s priorities, focusing on keeping our province the best place in Canada to live, work and raise a family.”
The 2025 capital plan will invest $26.1 billion across the province over the next three years, an increase of $1.1 billion from last year. Of this amount, $2.6 billion will go toward new schools and modernization projects.
According to Long, the Province was supporting the construction of over 200,000 new and renovated student spaces over the next seven years and almost 90,000 within the next four years.
“I look forward to working with the Minister of Education to ensure Alberta’s students have access to the new and modern school spaces they need to learn and succeed,” Long said. “Our Infrastructure team continues to work with industry and school jurisdictions to make sure school projects underway are delivered on time and on budget.”
Long warned tariffs could disrupt supply chains and drive up costs, including in the construction industry.
“Infrastructure will continue to monitor the situation, proactively consider implications and possible responses, and address evolving tariff concerns as they arise,” he said.
He also joined the premier and UCP caucus in calling on the federal government to join them in ongoing efforts to tear down provincial trade barriers, fast-track resource projects and expand trade ties globally.
Although not having the authority to fast-track any projects, he swore to continue advocating for West Yellowhead and highlighted projects that the government was funding in the riding, which include:
- School project from Budget 2025: Planning funding for replacement of Kisiko Awasis Kiskinahamawin, Muskiki Lake.
- Provincial building and courthouse roof replacement in Edson: $3,500,000
- Provincial building replacing building management control system in Grande Cache: $157,500
- Provincial building roof and exterior renewal in Grande Cache: $1,470,000
- Training centre mechanical and electrical renewal in Hinton: $4,060,000
- Training centre renewal of interiors in Hinton: $6,062,000
- Mountainview/Valleyview residences interior HVAC lighting and finishes in Hinton: $6,505,000
- Provincial building generator installation in Jasper: $574,000
- Provincial building and courthouse repair sloped glazing in Whitecourt: $1,637,000
