Alberta residents to receive $100 relief payment within two weeks of application, Smith says

Eligible Albertans will receive a $100 provincial relief payment within approximately two weeks of submitting an application, according to Premier Danielle Smith.

Smith said the Alberta government chose to provide direct payments to residents instead of reducing the provincial gasoline tax. She said fuel tax reductions do not always result in savings reaching consumers, making direct assistance a more effective way to help households manage rising costs.

According to the Alberta government, the relief program was triggered after higher global oil prices increased provincial energy royalty revenues. Oil prices rose sharply amid military tensions involving the United States and Iran, contributing to increased resource revenue for the province.

The quarterly relief program is expected to benefit about 3.4 million Albertans. Households with an annual income of $225,000 or less will be eligible for the payment.

Eligible residents will be able to apply online beginning July 1. The province says approved payments will be deposited directly into recipients’ bank accounts.