Alberta commits $148.4 million over three years to create 8,000 new seats in high-demand post-secondary programs

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeLocal NewsPolitics Alberta commits $148.4 million over three years to create 8,000 new seats in high-demand post-secondary programs Funding will go to create new spaces in engineering, health, sciences, nursing, education, technology and trades programs in institutions across the province Author of the article: By Cindy Tran Published Sep 11, 2026 3 minute read Join the conversation Minister of Advanced Education Myles McDougall announces new investments to expand access to high-demand post-secondary programs across Alberta on Friday, September 11, 2026 in Edmonton. Greg Southam-Postmedia PHOTO BY GREG SOUTHAM /10112667A Article content Alberta is committing $148.4 million over the next three years to create 8,000 new seats in high-demand post-secondary programs over the next three years. Article content The funding will go to post-secondary institutions across the province and create new spaces in engineering, health, sciences, nursing, education, technology and trades programs. Minister of Advanced Education Myles McDougall said as the population and economy rapidly changes, the demand for skilled professionals has increased. Article content Article content Article content “We need more healthcare workers, we need more teachers, we need more engineers, we need more apprentices, we need a number of areas, and the demand is there,” McDougall said at a press conference on Friday. Article content Headline News Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Article content Post-secondary institutions submitted proposals for specific program expansions and funding decisions were based on student and workforce demand, capacity and cost. A total of 21 post-secondary institutions will receive funding. Article content The University of Alberta will receive funding for more than 1,100 new seats, including at their Augustana Campus and Campus Saint Jean. The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) will receive funding to create over 170 seats. The University of Calgary will be adding 1,600 seats. Article content “We know this is public money and we take that responsibility seriously. We will put these dollars to work carefully, support the students through to graduation and show…