Alberta's government is partnering with Novo Nordisk Canada and Alberta Innovates to improve health outcomes for Albertans living with chronic diseases.

The Alberta Lighthouse Initiative will help fund projects focused on preventing and managing chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. This could include community programs, early detection clinics or digital tools to help Albertans manage their health. For example, the Nova Scotia Lighthouse Project has supported initiatives addressing childhood obesity, food insecurity and food literacy.

The aim of these programs is to support Albertans in adopting healthier lifestyles, accessing early screening, and maintaining habits to avoid serious complications while reducing pressure on the health care system.

"Our government wants to help Albertans live healthier lives. This initiative tackles the root causes of chronic diseases and supports new ideas and innovation in our growing life sciences sector." Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services

Alberta's government is investing $2 million in the Alberta Lighthouse Initiative, which is being matched by Novo Nordisk Canada for a total partnership fund of $4 million. Alberta Innovates will oversee the partnership, ensuring alignment of strategic priorities and a transparent process for selecting and managing funded projects.

"Novo Nordisk is proud to be part of this innovative public-private partnership in Alberta. This initiative underscores the importance of collaboration and demonstrates our shared commitment to drive change for healthier communities. Through the Alberta Lighthouse project, we look forward to identifying solutions that will help improve the health of Albertans living with chronic diseases." Vince Lamanna, president, Novo Nordisk Canada

The partnership will create opportunities for leaders across health care-related sectors to collaborate on community-led projects to reduce the prevalence of chronic conditions and support improved health outcomes for Albertans.

"This partnership will leverage Alberta's innovation advantage in primary care and community-led projects to strengthen prevention and reduce the prevalence of chronic conditions to support the health of Albertans." Mike Mahon, CEO, Alberta Innovates

Quick facts

- In 2023-2024, about 20 per cent of Albertans were living with cardiovascular diseases or hypertension. Other prevalent cardiometabolic diseases in Alberta include obesity, diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

- Many chronic diseases are preventable with healthy lifestyle choices like not smoking, eating healthy, being active, limiting alcohol and managing stress.

- In 2024, Alberta's life sciences sector was responsible for $9.2 billion in revenue and about 23,000 jobs.

Related information

Novo Nordisk Canada

Alberta Innovates