Taking questions from the media this morning on the referendum results and what comes next for Alberta. Join me live. xitter.cf/i/broadcasts/1pJkOXlMb…

Thank you, Alberta! I’m very pleased to see the initial results from Elections Alberta show widespread support for remaining in Canada. Albertans have voted for a stronger Alberta in a united Canada. Thank you to all Albertans who took time to vote on these critically important referendum questions.   Tomorrow evening, October 20, I will address Albertans live at 6:45 p.m. to discuss the results of all referendum questions for which results are available, and where our province goes from here.

On the ground at the Provincial Emergency Coordination Centre this afternoon with Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Safety Mike Ellis, Minister of Hospital and Surgical Health Services Adriana LaGrange and federal Minister of National Defence David McGuinty and Acute Care Alberta interim CEO Dr. Sayeh Zielke. We have just provided an update on the fire at CFB Wainwright. Four members of the Canadian Armed Forces have lost their lives in service to our country. Many more are injured and in recovery across our hospitals. Every part of the response is being coordinated, from first responders through to the hospitals treating the injured and the critical care teams working right now. Alberta stands with our Canadian Armed Forces and will provide whatever support is requested. To those recovering and to the families grieving today, all of Alberta is with you.

Alberta is mourning alongside the Canadian Armed Forces and the families, friends and colleagues of those affected by the tragic incident at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright yesterday. The loss of life and injuries are heartbreaking. On behalf of the Government of Alberta, I extend my deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and wish those who have been injured a full recovery. Our thoughts are also with the military personnel, families and colleagues facing uncertainty and grief during this incredibly difficult time. We are deeply grateful to the first responders, paramedics, physicians, nurses and hospital teams across Alberta who have mobilized to provide care to those injured. Albertans should all be incredibly proud of their frontline health care workers and our acute care system that has managed this mass casualty event. We’re also thankful to our neighbours in Saskatchewan who did not hesitate to support our response with additional air ambulance capacity, and to other provinces who have reached out offering their support and condolences. I will be traveling to Edmonton today to meet with provincial ministers and federal officials. The Government of Alberta continues to work closely with the federal government and local authorities. We have convened our Emergency Management Cabinet Coordination Committee and the Provincial Emergency Coordination Centre (PECC) has been activated to a level 3. As a mark of respect for those who have lost their lives and in solidarity with the military community and their families, flags at provincial government buildings across Alberta will be lowered to half-mast. In the days ahead, our thoughts will remain with everyone affected by this tragedy. Alberta stands with the Canadian Armed Forces, the people of Wainwright and all those grieving during this difficult time.

Alberta winds have been out in full force, stay safe Alberta! If you’re experiencing a power outage or looking for updates on affected areas and estimated restoration times, please visit your local electricity provider’s outage map: 🔹 EPCOR (Edmonton): outages.epcor.com/#/outages/… 🔹 FortisAlberta: fortisalberta.com/outages 🔹 ATCO Electric: poweroutage.atco.com/map 🔹 ENMAX (Calgary): outages.enmax.com/portal/ind… Follow local weather advisories and exercise caution around downed power lines.

We are learning of a significant and tragic fire at CFB Wainwright today that is affecting many of our brave military personnel. Alberta’s government is in close contact with the Government of Canada and Prime Minister Mark Carney as this situation evolves. Thank you to the first responders and all those providing care and support to those affected.

Alberta closed the books on 2025-26 with a $2.2 billion surplus and the Heritage Savings Trust Fund finished the year at a record high of more than $32 billion. We delivered that surplus in the same year we cut personal income taxes with a new 8% bracket, the lowest in the country. That put up to $750 back in the pocket of every Albertan and up to $1,500 back with the average family. The Heritage Fund is on track to reach $35 billion in 2027 and $250 billion by 2050. Every dollar of income stays in and compounds. That is a promise to Albertans who come next and keeping it is one of the most important things this government will ever do.

Last week, I joined more than 70 women in Calgary for a thoughtful conversation about the issues that matter to Albertans and women across our province. We discussed affordability, the rising cost of living, Calgary’s growth, and Alberta’s future. It was a great opportunity to hear different perspectives, share ideas, and talk openly about the challenges and opportunities ahead. Thank you to Becca for bringing everyone together and hosting such a meaningful gathering!

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the many blessings we share and the people who make Alberta such a special place to call home. From the Rocky Mountains to our vast prairies, we are fortunate to live in a province blessed with natural beauty, abundant resources and opportunities. But what makes Alberta truly special is its people. Albertans are hardworking, generous and always willing to lend a hand to a neighbour in need. That spirit of kindness and community is something we can all be thankful for. This Thanksgiving, I also want to recognize the farmers, ranchers and agricultural workers whose hard work puts food on our tables and helps feed families around the world. The abundance of natural resources in our province is also something to be thankful for. From precious metals and rich soil that helps us grow our food, to our abundant natural gas and petroleum reserves that help drive our economy and keep us warm in the winter, these blessings should not be overlooked. We should be grateful to live in a place that provides us with everything from food on our tables to the energy that powers our homes, vehicles and economy. Whether gathering around the table with family and friends volunteering in your community, or simply taking a moment for reflection, I hope this weekend brings you joy, gratitude and connection. From my family to yours, I wish all Albertans a happy and safe Thanksgiving.