Hello Calgary – Bow
The Spring Legislative Session is wrapping up and I am looking forward to returning to help all of our local community events. If you are new to the community, be sure to check out your community association website and local newspapers like this one for event calendars and opportunities to get involved.
The Government of Alberta has been working hard to make life better for communities of Calgary-Bow, and for all Albertans. On the face of ongoing challenges threatening the construction of increased pipeline capacity, I am proud that our government is acting to defend the energy industry.
Historically, the US was the biggest market for Alberta energy. Today, they are also our biggest competitor. The result is that we are selling our resources for less than they are worth, and we need access to new markets overseas. We need the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion.
But roadblocks put in place by the BC government have caused uncertainty and hurt investors’ confidence, resulting in pipeline delays and the loss of millions of dollars in revenue to the Canadian economy. The delays are impacting the hundreds of thousands of jobs that help put food on the table and roofs over the heads of families not just in Alberta, but across Canada.
That Revenue could also be used to build roads, schools and hospitals.
Here are a few facts about current exports in Alberta/Western Canada:
- 7.2 billion cubic feet per day in 2017 of natural gas (from Alberta)
- 4.1 million barrels a day of crude oil (from Western Canada)
- 200,000 barrels a day of refined fuels (gasoline, diesel, jet fuel) *Alberta number based on internal government estimates, includes all methods of transportation
During this legislative session the Government of Alberta has introduced two important pieces of legislation to protect Alberta’s interests and get more value from our natural resources.
Bill 12: Preserving Canada’s Economic Prosperity Act would give the government authority to, if necessary, require any company exporting energy products from Alberta to obtain a Licence. These products include natural gas, crude oil and refined fuels like gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. Export restrictions could be imposed on pipelines, as well as transport via rail or truck. Companies would not be automatically required to apply for an export licence and would only be directed to do so if the minister deemed it necessary.
One reason that the minister could give for requiring a license is whether adequate pipeline capacity exists to maximize the return on these resources produced in Alberta.
Bill 12 gives the government a toll that we don’t currently have. We don’t want to use it be we will do whatever is necessary to get this pipeline built.
Bill 1: The Energy Diversification Act builds upon Alberta’s traditional strengths. It moves us away from the boom and bust policies of the past without sacrificing our leadership in oil and gas. Developing our raw resources into higher-value products before exporting them makes good economic sense.
Renewal of the Petrochemical Diversification Program will build on the successful first round, which awarded support two projects expected to create more than 4,000 construction jobs and over 200 full-time jobs during operation. We are also providing incentives for more partial upgrading of bitumen and building more feedstock infrastructure.
For more information on this or any questions related to provincial legislation or programs, please contact my office by telephone or email and we would be pleased to assist you.
I looked forward to connecting with you soon!
