The Government of Alberta announced the launch of a new incentive program as part of the government’s Minerals Strategy and Action Plan. The program is expected to be implemented in 2027 and is intended to support job creation and secure Alberta’s position as a minerals development and processing destination.
This incentive program is meant to respond to growing global demand in the critical minerals and is also informed by the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding between members of the Western Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy.
In Alberta, mineral resources such as lithium are abundant and can be extracted from the brine of old oil and gas wells. To utilize this unique economic development opportunity, the Government of Alberta proposes attracting investment to the province through incentive approaches such as:
- Non-refundable mineral processing tax credit opportunities and increased access to appropriate Crown Land
- The consideration of a “flow-through share” tax credit to support critical mineral exploration for corporations
RMA will engage with the Government of Alberta to learn more about the new incentive program and understand whether and how rural municipalities will be involved in its implementation. It will be important for the Government of Alberta to ensure the inclusion of rural municipal perspectives in the critical minerals sector and to support rural economic development opportunities in Alberta.
Bezawit Lemma
Policy & Research Analyst
825.319.2280
bezawit@rmalberta.com
Warren Noga
Manager of Policy and Research
825.319.2285
warren@rmalberta.com