Alberta is at a pivotal moment, facing the challenge of fossil fuel dependency while overlooking a sustainable solution: district heating powered by biomass. Inspired by Sweden, where over 75% of homes utilize low-carbon district energy systems, Alberta can harness its vast forest resources to create cleaner air and stable energy prices. It’s time for bold leadership to unlock Alberta’s green potential and build a sustainable future.
As the Canadian Sustainability Standards Board (CSSB) introduces the Canadian Sustainability Disclosure Standards (CSDS), small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must take proactive steps to ensure compliance. Take action now to assess your current practices, develop a governance framework, and create a reporting plan. Stay ahead of the competition and position your business for success in a sustainability-driven economy. Learn more about CSDS compliance and how to leverage it as a competitive advantage.
Canadian Sustainability Standards Board Fails Canadians
Calgary – Catherine Brownlee, President of the Alberta Enterprise Group (AEG), made the following statement in response to the Canadian Sustainability Standards Board (CSSB) newly released sustainability and climate disclosure standards:
“We are disappointed that the CSSB seems to have conducted consultations with no regard for those that took the time to submit as part of the consultation process. This is a sham. The only changes made were to extend the relief of compliance by an additional year from what was proposed in the standards. It would seem there was never an intent to consider substantially modifing the standards for the Canadian context aside from extending the dates of compliance. It is shocking that none of the recommendations from the majority of stakeholder responses were included in the published standards.”
CALGARY – Earlier this week, the Alberta Enterprise Group (AEG) and the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA) jointly filed a constitutional challenge against the federal government, over its new ‘Greenwashing’ law which unreasonably restricts free speech.
The challenge, filed in the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta, targets sections 236 and 239 of Bill C-59, the Fall Economic Statement Implementation Act, 2023, which amended the Competition Act in ways that severely limit the business community’s ability to discuss environmental impacts. These provisions impose unreasonable restrictions on the dissemination of truthful and fair-minded information, striking at the heart of free expression and open debate in Canada.
In the autumn of 2022, on your behalf, AEG opposed federal bill C-235 “An Act respecting the building of a green economy in the Prairies”. AEG stood up for Alberta’s businesses by arguing that not only was the bill undermining areas of provincial jurisdiction but also that it was likely the bill would add to rather than alleviate the regulatory burden or costs of compliance of the numerous federal green regulations and programmes already being implemented in the Prairies.
Each day, Canadians invest in the future of Canada, betting on our potential for growth and prosperity for all. We dedicate our time, our creativity, and our money, believing that the ultimate investment is in the growth of our country and the futures of our young people.
The Alberta Enterprise Group (AEG) appreciates the opportunity to offer comments and feedback on the Federal Plastics Registry consultation. Our members believe this is an unnecessary initiative that will not only introduce another layer of stifling regulation and red tape but will also have negative impacts on the environment and human health.
AEG strongly opposes Bill C-372, the Fossil Fuel Advertising Act, tabled in Parliament by NDP Member of Parliament from Timmins-James Bay, Mr. Charlie Angus. The Bill proposes to prohibit the advertisement of Canadian oil, gas, and coal. Advertising in the Bill is loosely and broadly defined to include any demonstration of the positive aspects of using oil and gas even if it is verifiable fact, such as the positive economic contribution to Canada’s economy and benefits towards Indigenous reconciliation. Penalties for violation of the Bill include fines upwards of $1.5 million or jail time.
The Alberta Enterprise Group (AEG) appreciates the opportunity to offer comments and feedback on the Regulatory Framework for and Oil and Gas Sector Greenhouse Gas Emission Cap. Our members believe
this framework is not fair, equitable, nor is it in the national interest; it should not be implemented.
Catherine Brownlee is President of the Alberta Enterprise Group. Mike Martens is President of the Independent Contractors and Business Association (ICBA) Alberta. 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 […]
