
February 25, 2026
RED FM News Desk
The Alberta government has unveiled $10.8 billion in education funding in Budget 2026, marking a seven-per-cent increase over last year’s spending.
Premier Danielle Smith said investing in students remains a central focus for the province, even as it projects a budget deficit. She noted that the funding will support school construction projects and allow for the hiring of 1,600 teachers and 800 support staff in the coming years.
The announcement comes after teachers raised concerns during recent contract negotiations, calling for more resources to address growing class sizes and increasingly complex classroom needs. Smith said the government heard those concerns clearly.
Education and Childcare Minister Demetrios Nicolaides added that the province’s rapid population growth is putting pressure on schools. He said education funding is expected to climb to $11.5 billion by 2028-29, supporting the hiring of more than 5,000 teachers, educational assistants and support staff over the next three years.







