The safety and security of children attending school is a top priority for Alberta's government. Following the tragic incident in Tumbler Ridge, Alberta's government is providing a one-time grant of $20 million to upgrade school security infrastructure and $2 million for safety-related training for school staff across Alberta. This targeted funding will help ensure schools remain safe and secure environments where students can focus on learning and staff are supported.
"In response to the tragedy in Tumbler Ridge, we are taking decisive action to strengthen school security and ensure staff are better prepared to respond in critical moments. Safety cannot be an afterthought, and we will continue working closely with school boards to make sure they have the infrastructure, tools and training needed to protect students and staff when it matters most."
Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education and Childcare
Safety training
Funding for training will help school authorities strengthen their preparedness and response to a range of school safety incidents. Of the $2 million in funding:
- A one-time grant of $1.75 million will be distributed to public school boards based on student enrolment.
- The remaining $250,000 will be provided to the Association of Independent Schools & Colleges in Alberta to deliver training for eligible independent school leaders.
School authorities will determine how best to use this funding, building on existing safety training programs to train additional school leaders or support recertification. Eligible training may include trauma-informed practices, emergency preparedness, multidisciplinary response approaches and critical incident response.
Security infrastructure funding
The $20 million for building security upgrades will be distributed to eligible school boards based on student enrolment and will support improvements such as locks, doors, security cameras, window coverings and related measures.
"Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) thanks government for this additional investment in the safety and well-being of Alberta students and staff. We appreciate that public, Catholic and francophone school boards, as voices of their local communities, will have the flexibility to determine how this funding is allocated to support safety, security and emergency preparedness."
Shali Baziuk, president, Alberta School Boards Association
Provincial school safety standards
Over the next few months, Alberta's government will introduce consistent provincial standards to support student and school safety for all public, separate, francophone, charter and accredited independent school authorities.
By investing in physical security, staff preparedness and provincial standards, Alberta's government is taking a comprehensive approach to school safety. This work will help ensure schools continue to be safe and supportive spaces where students can learn and succeed.
Quick facts
- School authorities will be required to report on how funds are used, with an interim report due in November 2026 and a final report in November 2027.
- Eligible improvements include locks, doors, security cameras, window coverings and related measures.
- New provincial standards and guidelines are anticipated to take effect next school year.
