Alberta eliminates funding for 119-year-old historical society

Tanya Fir, minister of arts, culture and Status of Women, is sworn into cabinet, in Edmonton, Friday, June 9, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson.

A volunteer historical society that’s almost as old as Alberta itself is concerned the province’s history may go forgotten after its funding was eliminated.

Historical Society of Alberta president Lorien Johansen says the group’s annual funding of $76,000 was left out of the government’s latest budget.

Johansen says she wasn’t told why the funding was cut, and Arts and Culture Minister Tanya Fir’s office wouldn’t offer details beyond calling it a “tough budget.”

Johansen says the society, which was founded by the province’s first premier in 1907, isn’t at risk of folding, but there’s also not much it can do without the funding.

She says publications will be delayed, research might not be undertaken, and community events to celebrate and promote local history won’t take place.

Johansen says there’s no quantifying how much could be lost if Alberta’s stories aren’t preserved.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 10, 2026.

Jack Farrell, The Canadian Press