The Weekly Roundup- June 13, 2022
June 6-10 was declared energy week in Alberta by the province with the Global Energy Show held concurrently in Calgary. Alberta Energy Minister Sonya Savage reacted to the idea of a “windfall tax” like the 25% the UK government has introduced on oil and gas profits by saying that the province would consider a similar move from the Canadian federal government an “extreme act of aggression”.
Last week the federal government announced that they had developed the Greenhouse Gas Offset Credit System. Canada’s GHG Offset Credit System will create further incentives for municipalities, farms and industry to reduce emissions and will generate additional economic opportunities.
There was another new entrant to the UCP Leadership Race last week with former Wildrose MLA and UCP Cabinet Minister Leela Aheer formally announcing. There are also very strong suggestions that Calgary area UCP Minister Rajan Sawhney will soon join the race and Calgary area MP Michelle Rempel Garner may not be far behind.
The parameters of the leadership vote have yet to be announced by the party, but the UCP’s governance manual states that “voting will be on the basis of one Elector, one vote by an unweighted preferential ballot (single transferable vote)” and in the 2017 leadership race there was a $75K entrance fee and a refundable $20K “good conduct” charge.
Below, you’ll find a recap of government announcements made and Orders in Council passed since our last edition.
Government of Alberta Announcements
Effective June 30, a one year pilot project will see tow truck operators use blue lights to increase their visibility and safety while working on Alberta highways.
The inaugural membership of the Minister’s Advisory Council on Higher Education and Skills has been selected and will begin meeting in early summer.
Acting President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance Jason Nixon issued a statement on Alberta Teachers’ Association members and the Teachers’ Employment Bargaining Association accepting their Mediator’s recommendation for a four-year central agreement.
The Youth Suicide Prevention Grant Program is providing $3 million over the next two years to 13 youth-focused community programs.
Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation Doug Schweitzer issued a statement about the May 2022 Labour Force Survey that saw Alberta’s unemployment rate drop to 5.3 per cent and an increase of more than 60,000 full-time jobs in May.
Alberta’s government is providing Counselling Alberta with $6.75 million over two years to expand access to affordable and accessible mental health supports in Alberta with virtual mental health counselling services available across the province immediately.
Minister of Justice Tyler Shandro issued a statement in response to the public safety plan submitted by the City of Edmonton to address crime and violence in downtown Edmonton.
The UCP government is providing $23 million for the development of Quantum City, a quantum science technology hub at the University of Calgary in a strategic partnership with the University of Alberta and University of Lethbridge.
Eight new public members have been appointed to Alberta’s Anti-Racism Advisory Council.
Albertans across the province now have access to the Digital Overdose Response System, an app that helps prevent a fatal overdose when using opioids and other substances alone at home.
Online applications are now available for Income Support and AISH benefits to make the programs more easily accessible.
Alberta’s government is providing up to $4 million in dual credit grants for the 2022-23 school year so eligible school authorities can offer more dual credit learning experiences to high school students that allow them to earn credits towards a post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree, including a journeyperson certificate.
MLA Traci Allard met with U.S. energy leaders from June 9-12 at the Energy Council’s 2022 State and Provincial Trends in Energy and Environment conference in Kansas where she advanced Alberta’s position on a continental energy strategy.
More than $6.3 million has been committed to support four organizations to deliver mental health and addiction initiatives targeted to seniors in the province.
Orders in Council
OC 200/2022: Proclaiming the Financial Innovation Act in force on July 1, 2022.
OC 201/2022: Makes the Environmental Protection and Enhancement (Miscellaneous) Amendment Regulation.
OC 202/2022: Makes the Administrative Penalty Amendment Regulation.
OC 203/2022: Makes the Financial Innovation Regulation.
Upcoming Events Calendar
June 28, 2022: New West Public Affairs presents Alberta Relaunch
September 10, 2022: New CPC Leader announced