At a Glance - Week of November 19, 2024
Alberta Joins Energy Coalition with United States Governors
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith issued a joint statement with Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry announcing that the Province of Alberta has joined the Governors’ Coalition for Energy Security. The pact includes 11 states, in addition to the recently added Canadian province. Premier Smith emphasized Alberta’s role as a key energy supplier in North America, stating: “Alberta’s contribution is set to grow even further as we look to work with the Trump Administration and other U.S. partners to increase our pipeline capacity to our greatest friend and ally, the United States. We are proud to collaborate with this coalition of allied states in advancing energy security, reliability and affordability for Americans and Canadians.”
Alberta’s inclusion coincided with a change of name for the pact, which was previously titled the Governors’ Coalition for Energy Choice. Governor Landry commented on the change. “Our mission as an organization has not changed but Alberta’s welcome arrival to our group sparked a conversation about what our core mission is, and that is ensuring energy security in all its forms.”
Major Changes at AIMCo Announced
Following the removal of the CEO and board of the Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo) last week, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance Nate Horner has appointed top bureaucrat Ray Gilmour to sit as interim CEO of AIMCo. The Government has committed to appointing permanent positions within 30 days.
Minister Horner announced Gilmour’s appointment on November 8th, stating: “Ray has been the most trusted official in the province under three premiers. I have complete confidence in his ability to get costs at AIMCo under control and restore stability to the corporation.”
AIMCo manages and invests on behalf of Alberta’s pension and retirement funds, in addition to other government accounts such as the Heritage Savings Trust Fund. In the interim period, Minister Horner has committed to not receiving compensation as sole AIMCo director and will not make investment decisions. It has been rumoured that former Prime Minister Stephen Harper may be appointed as the new board chair.
Alberta to Allow Resorts on Crown Land
Last week Minister of Tourism and Sport Joseph Schow introduced Bill 35: All-season Resorts Act. The act seeks to regulate and allow private businesses to open year-round resorts on public lands, similar to those offered in British Columbia. The act follows up on the Higher Ground: A Tourism Sector Strategy tabled by the Ministry of Tourism and Sport at the beginning of 2024. “By incentivizing the responsible and sustainable development of all-season resorts, Alberta will grow our year-round tourism offerings, bolstering our local businesses, creating jobs, and generating tax revenue,” according to Minister Schow.
The Government of Alberta's announcement for the All-season Resorts Act stated that “any development proposed under the All-Season Resorts Act will be required to maintain rigorous environmental reviews and engagement with Indigenous Peoples, ensuring that all necessary approvals are obtained.”
Cyber Attack Against Alberta Innovates
Alberta Innovates, a provincial crown corporation dedicated to advancing research and economic innovation, had services disrupted due to a cyber attack. Alberta Innovates spokesman Dwayne Brunner announced the initiation of an investigation into the “third party” attack. “The privacy and security of the information we hold are our top priority, and we are working closely with cybersecurity experts, our employees, and our customers.”
The press secretary to the Minister of Technology and Innovation Nate Glubish stated that the government is “aware of the incident and our cyber team is providing assistance to Alberta Innovates as needed.” It is not clear if private information had been accessed by the cyber attackers.