Alberta government expects $100 payouts to arrive within 2 weeks of applications

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, right, walks past antique gas pumps to announce a new affordability measure in Calgary, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

EDMONTON — Albertans who apply for $100 payments from the province could see the money land in their bank accounts within two weeks of applying.

Premier Danielle Smith has said her government is doling out the affordability payments instead of reducing its tax on gasoline at the pumps.

Smith says cuts to gas taxes don’t always get passed on to consumers, so the payments are the best way to help Albertans with the high cost of living.

The U.S.-Iran military conflict sent fuel prices soaring, boosting Alberta’s energy royalties and triggering the province’s quarterly relief program.

Nearly 3.4 million Albertans — with a maximum household income of $225,000 or less — are eligible and can apply online starting July 1.

Finance Minister Jason Nixon’s office says the payments would take two weeks to arrive, as the government verifies application information and processes the transfers.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 18, 2026.

Lisa Johnson, The Canadian Press