At a Glance
Extension Given on Coal Policy Report
Energy Minister Sonya Savage announced that she has granted an extension for the completion of the long-awaited Coal Policy Committee report. The committee is responsible for engaging in public consultation on the long-term approach to coal development in Alberta as a result of concerns about mining in the Eastern Slopes. The report was originally due on November 15, but will now be filed no later than December 31. As part of the report extension, all activity and exploration in Category 2 lands has been halted until further notice.
Chair of the committee, Ron Wallace, wrote “The committee has been unwavering in our commitment to procedural fairness and transparency. We have requested a deadline extension so that we may better compile, assess and report on the extensive and insightful input submitted. We are honoured to have been entrusted with this engagement and we reiterate our promise to ensure that the opinions about a modernized coal policy expressed by so many Albertans are accurately and proportionately reflected in our final reports to the Minister of Energy.”
New Petrochemical Facility in Northern Alberta
The Greenview Industrial Gateway will be home to a new $2.5 billion petrochemical facility. The Northern Petrochemical Company will begin construction on a new carbon-neutral ammonia and methanol production facility in 2023 and is expected to create 400 permanent jobs in addition to the 4,000 construction positions. The facility would use carbon capture and storage to produce low-carbon products and would be the first of its kind in the country.
Speaking to the new investment, Premier Jason Kenney said, “the announcement of this huge new job-creating project adds even more momentum to Alberta’s exciting economic recovery. Northern Petrochemical’s decision to invest $2.5 billion in ammonia and methanol production shows that Alberta’s natural gas vision and our bold petrochemical strategy is working to create jobs while diversifying our economy, and ensuring a future for our resource industries.”
AIOC CEO Steps Down
It was quietly announced recently that CEO of the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation has stepped down from her position with the organization. The press release did not disclose a reason for her departure. Chief Operating Officer Matthew Machielse will assume the position of interim-CEO.
“I have dedicated my life to supporting Indigenous prosperity and the creation of an equitable economy. I am proud to have committed myself to standing up AIOC and positioning it strongly to continue to support Indigenous partnerships and economic growth as a first-of-its-kind model for all of Canada,” said Alicia Dubois. “I am also extremely proud of the team we have built. They will take AIOC’s vision and continue to advance prosperity and wellness in Indigenous communities and empower generations to come.”
AUMA Announces Rebranding at Convention
The organization that once went by the name of the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association will now be going by a new name. AUMA will now be known as Alberta Municipalities as part of a total brand refresh. Alberta Municipalities has said that their operational structure will not be changing, only the name and image will.
Interim President Angela Duncan said that there was confusion created with having both AUMA and the Alberta Municipal Services Corporation under the same umbrella. “We felt that instead of having two brands, a single brand would more represent the advocacy and support we provide” She would also indicate that it has been more than thirty years since the organization did a brand refresh.
Major Carbon Capture Investment
Through the Alberta’s Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) fund, Alberta will be investing up to $131 million into Alberta’s Industrial Energy Efficiency and Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage Program. The announcement comes after the province made a $750 million announcement in 2020 to support industries reducing carbon emissions.
This year’s investment focuses on seven projects that will receive $100 million in funding. The remaining funds will be allocated to other carbon capture projects. Premier Jason Kenney said at a press conference that “the seven successful projects we have selected so far are game-changers for cutting emissions in Alberta.” He would also indicate that, “these investments will help create jobs, spur economic growth and continue the hard work that we are doing to protect our environment as a responsible and sustainable energy leader.”