Alberta’s government is proposing a historic $10.8-billion spend on education in Budget 2026, aimed at hiring more teachers and support staff, addressing classroom complexity, and supporting students with specialized learning needs.
Premier Danielle Smith said the investment, if passed, represents the largest in Alberta’s history and builds on measures introduced earlier this year to respond to record enrolment growth and rising classroom challenges.
“Strong classrooms matter to families across Alberta. Budget 2026 builds on that momentum with the largest investment in education in Alberta’s history,” Smith said.
The funding would allow school boards to hire more than 1,600 teachers and 800 education assistants for the 2026-27 school year.
It builds on $143 million already announced to address class size and complexity, including 476 teachers and 952 education assistants dedicated to complexity teams.
"Today, we are taking steps to address some of those challenges and provide much needed support to educators," Smith said. "They told us loud and clear that the status quo was not sustainable, and we listened."
Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides said operational funding will grow by almost $1.5 billion over the next three years, reaching $11.5 billion by 2028-29, supporting the hiring of over 5,000 teachers, education assistants, and support staff.
“Every child deserves the strongest possible start in life, and that means ensuring our education system keeps pace with growth and rising demands,” Nicolaides said.
Nicolaides said that the budget will also include funding for more schools to be built in Calgary, Edmonton, and other communities, but would not elaborate with a specific number.
"Well, you'll have to wait and see for us to make those announcements in the coming days," Nicolaides said. "However, we're taking an evidence-based approach. We're looking at where population increasing utilization rates are creating pressure and providing for more schools in those locations. "
Budget 2026 also allocates $1.8 billion to support students with specialized learning needs, an increase of $86.5 million.
Nearly $560 million will be spent over three years to support enrolment growth, while $355 million is earmarked for class size and complexity initiatives next year.
Of the $355 million allocated, $55 million will go to the already existing classroom complexity grant, and the remaining funding will be invested after consultation with school boards.
Sandra Palazzo, board chair of Edmonton Catholic Schools, said operational funding is essential to maintain stable classrooms and ensure students receive the services they need.
“Recognizing real costs helps schools remain stable, plan responsibly, and focus on classrooms and student success,” she said.
Alberta is also directing $20 million toward reading and math supports for early learners in 2026-27, a more than 60% increase from the previous budget, according to Colleen Holowaychuk, board chair, Elk Island Public Schools.
“Foundational skills help students navigate modern life, directly impact future economic stability and health outcomes, and foster cognitive development,” Holowaychuk said.
Student transportation will receive $458 million to ensure safe and reliable service for over 348,000 students across the province. Curriculum renewal will continue with a $41-million allocation to support teacher professional learning and the development of classroom resources.
"In a few decades, I have no doubt that this will come to be recognized as a transformational period for our province, Smith said.
"But the good news is that we've already made significant progress in overcoming the challenges of the here and now, and if the funding through Budget 2026 passes it is going to help us get all of the way there."
Since Budget 2022, funding for school authorities has grown by more than $2.35 billion, a 28% increase, with nearly 99% of the operating budget directed to schools delivering educational services.
