This Week
Opposing federal electricity regulations: Alberta is launching a national advertising campaign to inform Canadians about the effects of the federal Liberal government’s proposed Clean Electricity Regulations (CER). Alberta’s advertising campaign highlights risks such as increasing power bills, driving out investment, and putting grid reliability at risk. Alberta is still moving towards a carbon-neutral power grid by 2050 through the Emissions Reduction and Energy Development Plan. The campaign can be found at tellthefeds.ca. When speaking to reporters this week, Premier Danielle Smith also said that the Government of Alberta is prepared to use the Sovereignty Act in response to the federal regulations. Criticism of the federal regulations wasn’t just coming from the political level of government either: the Alberta Electric Systems Operator (AESO) this week also issued a rare statement, with top AESO executives holding a news conference warning that the new federal rules could lead to blackouts and further escalating costs. You can view AESO’s technical briefing at this link.
$12.4 million investment to create 2,000 apprenticeships: To address the growing skilled labour needs, particularly in the construction industry, Alberta is investing $12.4 million to increase capacity for skilled trades training. This announcement adds to the $15 million investment made earlier this year. Alberta has a total of 47 apprenticeship programs, and while the province has 12% of Canada’s labour force, Alberta is home to approximately 14% of the country’s apprentices.
Fall immunization program: Albertans will be able to book their annual immunizations against fall respiratory viruses beginning on Oct. 10. Influenza and Covid-19 vaccines can be booked at an AHS clinic, a pharmacy, or a community health clinic. Starting next week, Albertans living in congregate care will be able to access respiratory virus vaccinations through their facilities.
Promoting Alberta in UAE: Minister Jones is travelling to the United Arab Emirates to promote Alberta’s energy solutions. Minister Jones will participate in the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC), and meet with energy businesses, potential investors, venture capitalists, and government officials.
What’s Next
Legislative calendar: MLAs will return to the Legislature on October 30 for the Speech from the Throne.
UCP AGM: The United Conservative Party will be holding their next AGM on November 3-4 in Calgary.
Announcements
- Alberta’s feral horse management framework
- New funding for apprenticeships
- Exploring new economic corridors across North America
- Expanding transit access for low-income Albertans
- Government launches panel to respond to E. coli outbreak
- Tourism investment fuels growth in rural Alberta
- Promoting Alberta in the United Arab Emirates
- Keeping Canada’s electricity affordable and reliable
- Fall immunization program to start
- New justice of the peace appointed
- Orders in Council
- Update on respiratory virus season: Minister LaGrange
- Planting the seeds of reconciliation
Key Resources