Tag Archives: Danielle Smith

Energy

BC, feds reach deal on LNG that keeps tanker ban in place

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By Sonal Gupta, Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Coastal First Nations are welcoming the federal government’s commitment to keep the North Coast tanker ban in place as part of a new development deal with BC.

Prime Minister Mark Carney and BC Premier David Eby announced a nearly $20-billion agreement in Vancouver, with federal support for electricity transmission, LNG, mining, ports and transportation — while confirming the tanker ban will remain, even as Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Carney prepare to announce details of their pipeline deal on Thursday evening.

Continue reading BC, feds reach deal on LNG that keeps tanker ban in place →
Politics

Alberta MLAs make positions clear on separation question

By Chris Zwick, 4 Town & Country News, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Local United Conservative MLAs say they will follow the party line when they cast their votes in the Oct. 19 referendum.

At the June 8 regular council meeting, Grande Prairie MLA Nolan Dyck and Grande Prairie-Wapiti MLA Ron Wiebe gave City of Grande Prairie council a rundown of some of the significant legislation that was passed during the spring session.

With both MLAs in the room, Coun. Dylan Bressey took the opportunity to question the elected representatives about the upcoming Oct. 19 referendum, particularly on the question of Alberta’s place in Canada and asked what constituents can expect to see from them leading up to the day of the vote.

“We’ve got a referendum coming up, and I’m really concerned about the distraction it is from exploring actual real solutions to the very real problems we have in this province and this country. I’m really worried that it’s driving away capital investment in this province,” said Bressey. “Also, just frankly, as a proud Canadian, I find it offensive. My family’s not perfect, but I love it, and my country’s sure not perfect, but I love it.”

Bressey went on to say he was glad to see Premier Danielle Smith make her voting intentions clear and confirm the UCP stance on the separation issue but added he’s worried about low voter turnout.

Continue reading Alberta MLAs make positions clear on separation question →
Cost of Climate Change, Energy

Majority of Albertans don’t want taxpayer dollars used for pipeline; say province’s economy too dependent on oil and gas

Despite the latest spike in oil prices and months-long push by oil and gas industry for the stripping back of environmental regulations, Albertans are concerned about overreliance on single sector.

By Janetta McKenzie , News release from the Pembina Institute

CALGARY — A majority (61 per cent) of Albertans say they do not want taxpayer money to be used for a new pipeline, with even more (67 per cent) saying they think the province’s economy is too dependent on the oil and gas sector. 

New polling commissioned by the Pembina Institute and conducted by Probe Research in late April and early May suggest Albertans’ views on energy policies are not aligned with priorities being brought forward by the Government of Alberta and oil and gas industry leaders. These have included a broad push for environmental deregulation, as well as a proposal for a new oil pipeline that has so far been funded exclusively with Alberta taxpayer dollars, and has still yet to attract a private sector proponent.

Continue reading Majority of Albertans don’t want taxpayer dollars used for pipeline; say province’s economy too dependent on oil and gas →
Politics

Alberta Premier’s address to the province

Press release from the Government of Alberta

My fellow Albertans

Tonight I wish to speak with you about the debate we are having in this province on the future of Alberta and Canada.

Last week, an Alberta judge released a decision finding that the citizen initiative petition organized by the group “Stay Free Alberta” on the issue of Alberta separation, is unconstitutional because, in the judge’s view, there was not adequate consultation done with a First Nation’s band about the potential effect of the petition on their treaty rights. This ruling fundamentally misinterprets the nature of the duty to consult, which was never meant to prevent citizens from making their voices heard through a democratic process.

Now, I want to be clear. I support Alberta remaining in Canada. That is how I would vote on separation in a provincial referendum. It is also the position of my government and caucus.

Continue reading Alberta Premier’s address to the province →
Politics

‘Losing is not an option’: Forever Canadian petition leader intent on keeping Alberta in Canada

By David Boles, St Albert Gazette, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

If you ask Thomas Lukaszuk, there’s only one answer to the newest referendum question Albertans will be answering on October 19.

“We will win,” he said.

The former deputy premier of Alberta and the man leading the federalist Forever Canadian initiative responded to Premier Danielle Smith’s address to the province on Thursday night.

Continue reading ‘Losing is not an option’: Forever Canadian petition leader intent on keeping Alberta in Canada →