Speak up for Alberta and our Economy!

With the provincial election on the horizon, I want to write specifically to other Calgary business owners and their workers with the hope of making some critical points in the 500 words available. Not only are we losing the Canada we used to know, but we are also at risk of losing Alberta and the spirit of a prosperous and vibrant province that we have built and re- built over the years. While 2022 wasn’t the greatest worldwide in the aftermath of COVID, Alberta remained one of the most successful economies regardless of the many challenges we faced.

Canada’s Economy and its Future Prosperity are in Jeopardy

No thanks to the federal Impact Assessment Act or Bill C-69 – even with a global energy crisis and the world pleading for Canada’s responsibly and sustainably produced natural resources, Canada, according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), is on track to have the worst performing economy of the G20 over the next 10 years. Our organizations – the Alberta Enterprise Group and ICBA Alberta – are in the Supreme Court of Canada, supporting the Government of Alberta and almost all other provinces and territories in their fight against the federal government’s Impact Assessment Act.

How Will We Explain This Unusual Time in History to Future Generations?

With all the chatter around the Prime Minister’s proposed ‘Just Transition’ plan, and the nuances surrounding what caused the federal government to change the name to ‘Sustainable Jobs,’ I gathered the courage to download the 32 pages headlined: ‘Sustainable Jobs Plan.’ It turns out it is not something one does for entertainment on a Saturday night.

Alberta’s Pre-Election Budget Biggest Surprise? Fiscal Prudence!

Pre-election budgets are rarely admirable. Money is spread around like pixie dust to curry the support of voters and to knee-cap opposition parties by borrowing their ideas. To a certain extent, the pre-election good news budget that Alberta Finance Minister Travis Toews delivered Tuesday follows this time-honoured political path, helped by $27.5 billion in oil and gas revenues in the 2022/23 fiscal year. And so, it is easy to chide the budget for populist policies like freezing insurance rates and capping post-secondary tuition fee increases at 2 per cent and for industrial policy measures for politically favoured industries (such as agricultural processing and film and television production). And there is the usual scattering of minor tax credits instead of a general cut in personal taxes – with no mention of a tax review geared to major reform, which the United Conservative Party proposed when it took office.

2023 With a Lot of Help From Government

The article discusses various predictions and concerns for Canada in 2023, including inflation, economic growth, and tensions between resource-rich provinces and climate-frenzy Ottawa. The fastest-growing economies are predicted to be Guyana, Libya, and Venezuela due to oil and gas development and political stability. There is also a rise in environmentalists looking to end the fossil fuel industry, which is causing tension with oilfield workers. Housing insecurity and economic hardship are also concerns. Additionally, the article notes that Canada has spent millions of dollars on COVID isolation hotels due to a lack of notice of vacating.

Inspiring, Naturally! The River Valley and the Region’s Future

The article discusses the North Saskatchewan River valley parks system in Edmonton, which is the largest urban park in North America. During the pandemic, the park system provided a much-needed opportunity for people to get outside and enjoy nature. The River Valley Alliance is a not-for-profit organization that aims to create a world-class trail system within the park, and the article argues that supporting this initiative is a smart investment that will pay dividends for years to come. The article also highlights the park’s potential for tourism and as an amenity to attract and retain top talent. The RVA plans to complete a 100-kilometre continuous connection from Fort Saskatchewan to Devon, but their funding will run out in 2025, and the article hopes that they will receive additional support to complete the project. The RVA will unveil the regional trail’s name later this year, chosen through collaboration with Indigenous Elders and knowledge keepers.

AEG Calgary Event: Jack Mintz

Dr. Jack Mintz gave a speech about federal-provincial relations and the role of the West in Canada. Western Canada is a large economic power but has weak political power. Dr. Mintz suggests that Alberta should consider more provincial autonomy to control its own life and create its own opportunities, and control its economic powers as well. He also discussed the need for a just transition for Alberta’s oil and gas sector, and the importance of affordability in energy policies. Dr. Mintz also touched on other topics such as the high tax rates in Canada, the need for more police forces, and the healthcare system. He suggests that the UCP and the NDP both agree on the need for developing more clinics and that they should be well-operated, and that the goal should be to move more things out to clinics. Dr. Jack Mintz believes that the centralization of power is occurring everywhere in government, and the only way to protect the interests of the provinces is through provincial leaders and governments. He also thinks that climate policies will take a long time to adopt and that the public is not ready for it. He comments on inflation, saying that Canada’s inflation is not as outlandish compared to other countries but is reckless with the checkbook. He believes that Canada’s indebtedness is much bigger than the official numbers suggest and that the country needs more national savings to fund future commitments.

Calgary event: Energy Panel Event – Joy Romero, Stephen Buffalo, Kevin Birn, and Greg McLean

In this discussion, a panel of experts explored the topic of the future of the energy industry in Canada, with a focus on sustainability and the transition to a low-carbon economy. The panelists shared their thoughts on various aspects of the industry, including the importance of partnerships, the need for comprehensive data, and the role […]

AEG Edmonton event: Ian Murray with Fairness Alberta

Ian Murray is the Owner, President, and General Counsel of IMC (Ian Murray & Company Ltd.). IMC is aSpecial Situation consulting company that focuses on challenges and opportunities that are outside of aclient’s core activities and involve new projects, products, markets, and technologies, as well asrestructurings and transformational challenges.  Ian’s expertise and experience relates to […]