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EDMONTON — Alberta is accepting applications for $5 million in grants aimed at strengthening the midwifery workforce and expanding access to maternal health care, particularly in rural, remote and Indigenous communities.
Applications for the 2026-27 Alberta Midwifery Strategy Grant opened Aug. 11, with organizations and groups eligible for up to $750,000 for individual projects.
The province says priority will be given to projects addressing areas where communities have difficulty recruiting and retaining qualified midwives.
“Families should not have to travel far to access trusted maternal care,” Primary and Preventative Health Services Minister Justin Wright said.
“These grants will help grow Alberta’s midwifery workforce, bring midwifery services to more communities and give families greater choice in how and where they receive care.”
The funding is part of a three-year, $10-million provincial investment in the Alberta Midwifery Strategy.
Eligibility is limited to organizations and groups working to advance midwifery services in Alberta, with an emphasis on rural, remote and Indigenous communities.
Four areas have been identified as priorities for the 2026-27 funding.
Projects can improve the collection and integration of midwifery workforce and service data, help retain midwives already practising in Alberta, improve access to maternal health services in underserved communities and better integrate midwives into team-based primary care.
Applicants will be required to identify a need and location for their project, provide measurable objectives and timelines, and identify how project outcomes will be measured.
Proposals are also expected to include partnerships or collaborations supporting the project.
Jennifer Gullage-Payne, executive director of the Alberta Association of Midwives, said previous funding has helped support equitable access to midwifery and professional development.
“The provincial Midwifery Strategy Grant program has allowed the Alberta Association of Midwives to meaningfully support and invest in equitable midwifery and professional growth,” Gullage-Payne said.
“We are grateful for the opportunity and encourage continued investment in midwifery to build strong and sustainable access to vital health care for families in Alberta.”
The province says $5 million has supported eight projects through the grant program.
One initiative is the Kiciy Ohkamamow Iskotew mentorship through the Kihew Awasis Wakamik Cultural Society.
The program connects Indigenous learners with Elders, experienced Aunties and registered midwives while helping participants obtain the education and credentials needed to become second birth attendants.
Midwifery is a publicly funded health service in Alberta for women with low-risk pregnancies, providing care during pregnancy, labour, birth and the first six weeks following delivery.
There are currently 192 registered midwives in Alberta.
Applications for the latest round of funding close Oct. 6. Successful applicants will be notified after proposals have been reviewed and funding decisions finalized.
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