Dear Neighbours,
Happy New Year to you all. I hope you and your loved ones enjoy a prosperous and rewarding 2020.
In early October, session resumed early so that we can continue our important work of creating jobs and building pipelines. I would like to give you an update as to the government’s progress on these two important initiatives.
Job Creation
In October, Statistics Canada showed that over 20,000 private sector jobs were added to the Alberta economy. As well, in early December, CNRL, one of the largest independent crude oil and natural gas producers in the world, announced 1,000 new full-time jobs that they indicated was a direct result of reduced corporate income tax rates. They also announced an increase of $250 million in spending and 60 new drilling locations.
Pipelines
I have heard from many of my constituents about the importance of pipelines and on December 3, 2019, we heard very positive news that construction has finally begun on the Kinder Morgan, Trans Mountain Pipeline. The pipeline will triple Trans Mountain’s flow of crude to 890,000 barrels per day. The pipeline is scheduled to be completed in the second half of 2022.
Fair Deal for Alberta
As you may know, in early November, Premier Jason Kenney announced the creation of a Fair Deal Panel to advance Alberta’s issues and autonomy. The Panel held a number of townhalls in December to hear from Albertans directly on ideas that will give us a bigger voice within the federation. I know that many of you are frustrated with the federal government and the barriers they have put on our prosperity. I strongly support greater autonomy for Alberta and a stronger Alberta within Canada.
Together we can build a stronger and more prosperous Alberta, so that we can continue to be a generous society.
