Statement from Alberta Trade Minister about U.S. tariffs

Government of Alberta -  Alberta Economic Development and Trade Minister Deron Bilous issued the following statement supporting Canada’s response to U.S. tariffs:  “We applaud the federal government’s retaliatory tariffs in response to the U.S. administration’s illegal protectionist actions. When the federal government announced their intention to implement retaliatory tariffs, I met with Alberta industry and business leaders to hear their concerns and suggestions.  I subsequently wrote Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland and International Trade Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne relaying this feedback and I appreciate that they listened and today responded with countermeasures and new supports that reflect this input."

Enel sells minority stake in two Pincher Creek wind projects

EGP-NA's 76.2 MW Castle Rock Ridge wind farm in Pincher Creek, AB. Photo courtesy of Enel Green Power North America, Inc.

From press release - Enel S.p.A. (“Enel” or “the Group”), through its US renewables company Enel Green Power North America, Inc. (“EGPNA”), has signed a partnership agreement with Alberta Investment Management Corporation (“AIMCo”), whereby the Group will sell 49% of the shares in the 115 MW Riverview wind farm and in the 30.6 MW Phase 2 of Castle Rock Ridge wind farm, both to be built in Pincher Creek, Alberta. The total consideration for this transaction, which will be paid upon closing of the deal, will be determined at commercial operation of the wind farm, expected by the end of 2019. Following the closing of the transaction, EGPNA will manage, operate and perform asset maintenance activities at both wind farms while retaining a 51% majority ownership of the interest in the projects. 

Enel awarded two 20-year Renewable Energy Support Agreements for Pincher wind farms

EGP-NA's 76.2 MW Castle Rock Ridge wind farm in Pincher Creek, AB. Photo courtesy of Enel Green Power North America, Inc.

Chris Davis - On December 13 the Government of Alberta announced the results of the first round of the Renewable Energy Program, which is part of Alberta's Climate Leadership Plan. Three companies were successful in their record low bids to provide renewable energy to Alberta consumers. Enel Green Power North American (EGPNA) has been awarded two 20-year Renewable Energy Support Agreements (RESAs) for 146 MW of new wind capacity at wind farm developments located north and east of Pincher Station, expected to generate around 555 GWh per year. Capital Power will build a 201-megawatt wind project 60 kilometres southwest of Medicine Hat. EDP Renewables Canada Ltd. will build a 248-megawatt wind farm east of Hanna. According to an EGPNA press release, overall investment in the two Pincher Creek wind farms will amount to approximately 170 million US dollars, which is approximately 218 million Canadian dollars at today's exchange rate. The Government of Alberta anticipates the creation of approximately 740 jobs related to the four  projects.

Delinquent oil and gas operators to face greater scrutiny

Chris Davis - According to a December 6 press release, the Government of Alberta "is building on recent moves to protect Albertans and the environment while ensuring a fairer liability system for oil and gas companies operating in Alberta." Directive 67, developed by the government with the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER), will close a loophole that allowed companies to "walk away from wells or other oil and gas infrastructure without cleaning up". 

Avail offers business coaching with lunch and learn session

Presenter Cassie Ducharme

Toni Lucas - Avail CPA hosted a lunch and learn session in Pincher Creek on the subject of  Business Budgeting Wednesday, November 22 with approximately a dozen people in attendance. Presenter CPA CA Cassie Ducharme explained Avail works with clients to increase profitability, improve inefficiencies, create strategic plans, and develop leadership potential. "We are more than an accounting firm, we consult to help you grow your business." This is one of a number of courses which Avail offers.

TransCanada announces termination of Energy East Pipeline and Eastern Mainline projects

TransCanada Corporation - TransCanada Corporation announced today it will no longer be proceeding with its proposed Energy East Pipeline and Eastern Mainline projects.

Alberta's minimum wage to increase to $13.60 Oct. 1

Chris Davis - Minimum wage in Alberta will increase from $12.20 per hour to $13.60 per hour on October 1.

EDA President Bev Thornton first Canadian to receive prestigious international award

IEDC President Jeff Finkle, Regional Economic Development Initiative for Eastern Idaho CEO Jan Rogers, Alberta SouthWest Executive Director/EDA President Bev Thornton, Minneapolis Saint Paul Regional Economic Development Partnership CEO/IEDC Chairman Michael Langley

Economic Developers Alberta - Bev Thornton, Executive Director of the Alberta SouthWest Regional Economic Development Alliance and President, Economic Developers Alberta (EDA) has received the Jeffrey A. Finkle Organizational Leadership Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). Ms. Thornton is the first Canadian to receive this award.

Good turnout for SGB Fitbodies grand opening

(advertorial)

Brooklyn celebrates SGB Grand Opening

Toni Lucas  - SGB Fitbodies held a grand opening celebration and open house on Wednesday, August 23 at 1348 McEachern Street. This gave an opportunity for people who were curious a chance to check out the facilities, try different courses, enter for prizes, or just have a smoothie while checking out the nutritional supplements. I decided to try a class and see how it worked for me. I tried the I.C.E modifiable cardio workout, with Ali Thibert instructing.

Apex Clean Energy to manage Ikea's Oldman 2 windfarm

Apex Clean Energy - Apex Clean Energy announced today a multiyear contract to operate an IKEA Canada wind project, Oldman 2, located near Pincher Creek in Alberta. Oldman 2 generates 46 megawatts of clean energy for the AESO market.

Review of old wells to protect Albertans, environment

An orphan well site near Carstairs awaiting proper abandonment and reclamation

Government of Alberta - The province is working with industry and experts to find ways to better protect Albertans and the environment by improving policies for managing old oil and gas facilities.  Subject matter experts and key stakeholders will take part in roundtable discussions on improving the management of historic, current and future liabilities associated with the full life cycle of upstream oil and gas development. The review will focus on further protecting Albertans and the environment while keeping Alberta a competitive place to invest.

Alberta sees increased rig and drilling activity

Government of Alberta - Drilling activity returned to Alberta with an increase in new wells drilled and active rigs in the first quarter of 2017. Alberta operators drilled 1,199 wells during the first three months of 2017 compared with 519 a year ago, a 131 per cent increase in activity, according to industry figures. This was the largest increase in activity and the highest number of wells drilled overall in Western Canada from January to March.

Stubbs: Softwood tariffs will harm Canadian jobs and industry

Lakeland MP Shannon Stubbs

Shannon Stubbs, MP for Lakeland  - On April 25th, the U.S. Department of Commerce imposed countervailing duties as high as 24 percent on Canadian softwood lumber imports. The pervious Softwood Lumber Agreement expired on October 12, 2016 and the Liberals have failed to negotiate a new agreement putting 400,000 jobs across Canada at risk.

Alberta stands with forestry industry

Government of Alberta - Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Oneil Carlier issued the following statement in response to the latest development in the softwood lumber dispute with the United States:

“We stand shoulder to shoulder with Alberta’s forest workers, their families and communities that rely on a strong forest industry.  Our government is working closely with the federal government and our forest industry to defend Alberta jobs and fair market access.  Together with affected provinces and Ottawa, we are developing plans to help support Albertans in addressing the possible impacts of a prolonged trade dispute.

Alberta and Guangdong become sister provinces

Government of Alberta - Alberta and the province of Guangdong in southern China have signed a landmark agreement to strengthen ties and facilitate trade between the two jurisdictions.  Premier Rachel Notley signed the agreement on behalf of the Government of Alberta in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong. Governor Ma Xingrui signed on behalf of the Guangdong government.

Keystone XL statement from Premier Notley

Government of Alberta - Premier Rachel Notley issued the following statement about the U.S. State Department’s approval of the Keystone XL pipeline:

"I would like to congratulate TransCanada for the hard work they have put into this approval. This project is going to support nearly 6,000 jobs during construction and over 400 full-time jobs in Alberta, while also providing access to new and existing U.S. markets. While Keystone XL progresses, we are also going to continue our work to make sure we can get Alberta’s resources to Canadian tidewater - creating jobs, helping our energy industry grow and diversifying our export markets.”

Economic Developers Alberta announces 2017/18 board, annual awards

Economic Developers Alberta - Economic Developers Alberta (EDA), Alberta's only professional organization for economic developers is pleased to announce its newly elected 2017-18 Board of Directors as follows:

Keystone XL: Statement from Premier Notley

Government of Alberta - Premier Rachel Notley issued the following statement about the U.S. State Department’s approval of the Keystone XL pipeline:

"I would like to congratulate TransCanada for the hard work they have put into this approval.  This project is going to support nearly 6,000 jobs during construction and over 400 full-time jobs in Alberta, while also providing access to new and existing U.S. markets.  While Keystone XL progresses, we are also going to continue our work to make sure we can get Alberta’s resources to Canadian tidewater - creating jobs, helping our energy industry grow and diversifying our export markets.”

Beaver Mines General Store owner shares Castle parks plan concerns

Jeff McLarty

Chris Davis - Jeff McLarty and his wife Stephanie purchased the Beaver Mines General Store in December of 2015. The business offers an eclectic mix of goods and services, including gasoline, sundries, a deli and small dining area, gift items, artisan work, beer and liquor, firewood, propane, lodgings, and camping, hunting and fishing supplies. Located on Highway 774, the store is the last stop before Castle Mountain Resort (which is 20 km down the road southwest of Beaver Mines) and is at the doorway to the Castle parks area. The recently unveiled Castle parks draft management plan concerns McLarty.

Counterfeit money reminder from Grande Prairie RCMP

RCMP Alberta - Grande Prairie RCMP would like to remind retail businesses and those in the service industry to help reduce counterfeit currency incidents through prevention. Police have recently seized counterfeit money in the denomination of $100 Canadian bank notes as well as $50 and $100 U.S. bank notes that were passed at local businesses. All Canadian bank notes have security features that are reliable, quick and easy to use. By making it a habit to check two or more of these features whenever you accept notes - large and small – will help to intercept counterfeits and keep them out of the till and out of your change.