Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited central Alberta to announce $510 million in federal funding for municipal water and wastewater infrastructure, a move aimed at supporting housing development across the province.
Joined by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, Carney said expanding essential infrastructure is necessary to enable the construction of new homes.
According to the federal government, the funding will help municipalities develop drinking water and wastewater systems needed to support growing communities.
Smith confirmed that Alberta will contribute at least one-third of eligible project costs, representing up to $428 million, as the province continues to experience rapid population growth. Alberta has added nearly 600,000 new residents over the past five years alone, adding to the strain on housing and public infrastructure.
They said the provincial and federal governments continue to work together on some key economic and energy initiatives discussed at several meetings recently.
“This is my 10th trip to Alberta since the 2025 federal election and we continue to be aligned in wanting to push forward with projects that will get economic growth and investment,” Carney said.
The visit comes as Alberta prepares for an October 19 referendum that will ask voters whether the province should remain part of Canada or begin the formal process toward separation.
Premier Smith called the referendum after petitions supporting and opposing separation gathered hundreds of thousands of signatures. While critics argue that public opinion continues to strongly favour remaining in Canada, the issue has generated significant political debate across the province.
During Carney’s announcement in Red Deer, a group of approximately 30 pro-separation demonstrators gathered nearby with Alberta flags. Police maintained a separation between the protesters and the event, while chants could be heard during the Prime Minister’s remarks.
Following the announcement, Carney visited Antler Valley Farm, where he met local producers and toured canola operations.
The visit included a demonstration of a large agricultural sprayer and discussions about crop production, as Carney also highlighted a recently announced trade agreement with China that is expected to create approximately $3 billion in export opportunities for Canadian canola producers.
Later in the day, Carney travelled to North Vancouver to support Braeden Caley, who is seeking election in the upcoming North Vancouver–Capilano federal byelection.
The Prime Minister’s itinerary also included a visit to the Port of Vancouver the following day to discuss Canada’s trade infrastructure and export capacity.
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