NPA Policy Summary
- 10 cents per gigajoule levy on natural gas production
- Dedicated funding for healthcare infrastructure modernization
- Flexible allocation to education and rural infrastructure as needs evolve
- Direct investment in tangible assets and measurable improvements
In January 2026, the Alberta Non-Partisan Association (NPA) supports a dedicated funding strategy to support provincial priorities. This policy creates a stable funding stream for critical needs while ensuring Alberta's natural resource wealth directly benefits all residents.
The Policy
The NPA supports the implementation of a 10 cents per gigajoule revenue generator on natural gas production. This initiative is designed to create a stable funding stream for critical provincial needs.
A primary use of this revenue would be modernizing healthcare infrastructure, such as the purchase of essential medical equipment like Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines for Alberta hospitals.
Context and Policy Merit
| Policy Aspect | Benefit to Albertans |
|---|---|
| Flexible Utility | Allows government to allocate resources to high-priority areas as public needs evolve throughout 2026 |
| Infrastructure Focus | Directs revenue toward equipment and tangible assets—real solutions over administrative restructuring |
| Economic Rationale | Acts as a "value-added" resource tax, translating natural gas production into improved quality of life |
Flexible Utility
By designating healthcare modernization as one possible use, the policy allows the government to consider various resource allocations to high-priority areas—such as education or rural infrastructure—as public needs evolve throughout 2026. This flexibility ensures the funding can address the most pressing challenges facing Albertans.
Infrastructure Focus
Directing resource revenue specifically toward equipment and tangible assets appeals to the 81% of Albertans who prioritize "real solutions" and measurable improvements over administrative restructuring. Albertans want to see their resource wealth translated into hospitals with modern equipment, schools with updated facilities, and communities with improved infrastructure.
Economic Rationale
This specific levy acts as a "value-added" resource tax, ensuring that even as natural gas production remains a pillar of the Alberta economy, it directly translates into improved quality of life for all Albertans. Rather than resource wealth flowing out of the province or into general revenues, this dedicated stream ensures tangible benefits for communities across Alberta.
The NPA Position
Alberta's natural gas resources belong to all Albertans. The NPA believes a modest 10 cents per gigajoule levy creates a sustainable funding mechanism that transforms resource extraction into lasting infrastructure improvements—particularly in healthcare where modern diagnostic equipment can save lives and reduce wait times.