Today, we take time to celebrate and recognize Alberta’s rich history and heritage.
Heritage Day was first declared a provincial holiday in 1974 by the Alberta government. It is celebrated annually on the first Monday in August.
For constituents of Red Deer-North, there are several activities are happening locally, including programming at the Red Deer Museum and Art Gallery, and you can find some of them here: https://visitreddeer.com/plan-your-trip/events.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
Alberta’s government is providing $45 million to power new hydrogen technologies that will reduce emissions and create jobs.
Hydrogen is expected to be a $2.5-trillion to $11-trillion industry worldwide by 2050, and Alberta is ready to emerge as a leader in that global market. As Canada’s largest hydrogen producer, Alberta can produce some of the lowest-cost clean hydrogen in the world.
Alberta has created a Hydrogen Roadmap, an Emissions Reduction and Energy Development Plan, and a Natural Gas Strategy to recognize the importance of growing the provincial hydrogen economy while cutting emissions and accessing global markets.
As part of this work and through Alberta Innovates’ Hydrogen Centre of Excellence and Emissions Reduction Alberta, Alberta’s government will launch two hydrogen funding competitions using the Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) fund.
“Alberta is known for its entrepreneurial spirit and, as we are already a leader in this field, this competition will explore and advance clean hydrogen technologies while generating fresh, exciting new projects and ideas.”
Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas
The new funding will drive cutting-edge and first-of-their-kind hydrogen technologies to be used in production, transmission and distribution, storage, and in industries like heavy-duty transportation, industrial heat and chemicals. It will explore innovative technologies rather than what is currently commercially available.
“Hydrogen is a vital technology in the path towards a low-carbon future. The Government of Canada is pleased to collaborate with partners like the Government of Alberta to launch this competition that supports further innovation in the hydrogen sector. Technologies like this are helping to create good jobs across Canada as we build a strong and prosperous economy.”
Jonathan Wilkinson, federal Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
Watch the press conference.
The two parallel competitions are open to a wide range of applicants, including technology developers, industry and industry associations, small and medium-sized enterprises, research and development organizations, post-secondary institutions, municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous organizations and municipalities.
“The hydrogen economy is the next frontier for Alberta. The province is the largest producer of hydrogen and has the people, resources and infrastructure in place to move us into the new economy. Partnerships like this allow for producers, innovators and industry to come together and test their hydrogen ideas. Ultimately this will help Alberta capitalize on new innovation opportunities that generate benefits beyond the energy value chain.”
Laura Kilcrease, CEO, Alberta Innovates
“This targeted and coordinated effort between Emissions Reduction Alberta and Alberta Innovates with funding from the Government of Alberta is required to ensure a healthy pipeline of hydrogen technologies across the value chain are supported.”
Justin Riemer, CEO, Emissions Reduction Alberta
Applications for both funding streams are now open. Applications close at 5 p.m. MDT on Sept. 22 for the Emissions Reduction Alberta competition and at 5 p.m. MDT on Sept. 26 for the Alberta Innovates competition. Successful applicants will be invited to submit full proposals.
To simplify the process, applicants can submit a single proposal to apply for two funding streams:
$20 million is available through Alberta Innovates’ Hydrogen Centre of Excellence for early- stage innovations. Natural Resources Canada is also providing another $5 million to Alberta Innovates through its Energy Innovation Program.
$25 million is available through Emissions Reduction Alberta for later-stage technologies.
Quick facts
Alberta Innovates is a research and innovation agency working to move Alberta to a lower-carbon future, promote the responsible use of land and water, and contribute to the improved health and well-being of Albertans.
Through the TIER program, the Government of Alberta invests revenues from the industrial carbon price to accelerate the development and adoption of innovative clean technology solutions.
As part of implementing the new Emissions Reduction and Energy Development Plan, Emissions Reduction Alberta received $25 million in TIER funding in 2023 to support investments in hydrogen development and the hydrogen value chain.
To date, Emissions Reduction Alberta has invested more than $60 million from the TIER fund into hydrogen technologies across the value chain, including a net-zero production complex, hydrogen-powered transit buses, and Canadian Pacific’s hydrogen locomotive – North America’s first line-haul hydrogen-powered locomotive using fuel cells and batteries for power.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
Alberta’s government is responding to concerns about electricity projects to ensure future growth is balanced with responsible development.
Alberta is Canada’s leader in renewables projects and investments and Alberta’s government is committed to ensuring that the right processes are in place to support continued investment.
It is critical that Albertans can continue to rely on regular safe and reliable operations of the grid.
Starting Aug. 3, the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) will pause approvals of new renewable electricity generation projects over one megawatt until Feb. 29, 2024, and review policies and procedures for the development of renewable electricity generation.
“We are proud of our leadership in responsible renewable energy development and we are committed to its continued growth. This approach will provide future renewable investments with the certainty and clarity required for long-term development.”
Nathan Neudorf, Minister of Affordability and Utilities
This approach is in direct response to a letter received from the AUC and concerns raised from municipalities and landowners related to responsible land use and the rapid pace of renewables development. At the end of this process, future renewable projects will be able to move forward at a pace that is conducive to business while maintaining responsible environmental stewardship and preserving Alberta’s reliable electricity supply.
Throughout the process, Albertans will still be able to install renewable energy products in their homes and communities will be unaffected by this process.
“Participants in our public hearings have increasingly raised concerns about the impacts and pace of renewable generation development. We are pleased to support the government in canvassing relevant issues for its development of policy to ensure the economic, orderly and efficient development of electricity generation in Alberta.”
Carolyn Dahl Rees, chair, Alberta Utilities Commission
“RMA is pleased by this decision to develop a provincewide plan for how the industry can grow strategically and responsibly. Rural municipalities cover roughly 85 per cent of Alberta’s land and their voices must be included in the approval process for all renewable energy projects. We look forward to working with the Government of Alberta to create an approval process that balances provincial and local perspectives and positions Alberta as a leader in responsible renewable energy development.”
Paul McLauchlin, president, Rural Municipalities of Alberta
The AUC inquiry will include reviewing the use of agricultural land and public land for wind and solar projects, land reclamation and the role of municipal governments in land selection for project development and review.
More specifically, the inquiry will inform government policy decisions around the ongoing economic, orderly and efficient development of electricity generation in Alberta and will look at issues, including:
Development of power plants on specific types or classes of agricultural or environmental land.
The impact of power plant development on Alberta’s pristine viewscapes.
Mandatory reclamation security requirements for power plants.
Development of power plants on lands held by the Crown.
The impact of the increasing growth of renewables on Alberta’s generation supply mix and electricity system reliability.
Quick facts
The AUC is an independent, quasi-judicial agency that is responsible for the approval of Alberta’s electricity generation projects.
The Government of Alberta does not determine when or where electrical generation facilities are to be built.
The AUC is currently reviewing 15 renewable, thermal and energy storage projects.
All utility-scale renewable generation projects in Alberta are commercially developed on private land only and can only advance with the permission of private landowners.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
Alberta’s government is partnering with three community organizations and investing $4 million to create the Alberta Office to Combat Trafficking in Persons.
Human trafficking is a serious crime that violates the freedoms and rights of individuals, including children, and attempts to destroy all personal identity and relationships. The three main categories of human trafficking are sex trafficking, labour trafficking and the trafficking of organs. Between 2011 and 2021, more than 3,500 incidents of human trafficking were reported across Canada. Many incidents go unreported, often due to fear among victims and survivors.
To fight against human trafficking, Alberta’s government developed the Alberta Human Trafficking Task Force, which submitted its final report in August of 2021. The report has five primary recommendations for government to assist in combatting human trafficking. The first of these is to create an Alberta Office to Combat Trafficking in Persons, which will facilitate the implementation of the remaining recommendations. Alberta’s government has committed $4 million over two years to make this office a reality.
“We can’t afford to close our eyes to the problem of human trafficking. And we can’t afford to ignore those who are at risk of being trafficked or those who have been trafficked. I’m proud that our government is creating this Office to Combat Trafficking in Persons to keep fighting this scourge on society.”
Danielle Smith, Premier
Operation of the Alberta Office to Combat Trafficking in Persons will be led in partnership by #NotInMyCity, Native Counselling Services of Alberta (NCSA) and REACH Edmonton Council for Safer Communities. Under their leadership, the office is another step closer to connecting survivors and victims of human trafficking to important supports and services.
In addition to the work with victims and survivors, the Alberta Office to Combat Trafficking in Persons will enhance public awareness and establish a more effective data collection process. This data will monitor the effectiveness of service delivery and help close gaps in tracking cross-jurisdictional trafficking incidents.
“The first step to fighting human trafficking is to raise awareness of the issue and its presence right here in Alberta. We are grateful to have strong partnerships with organizations that have proven to be effective in this, along with directly supporting survivors and victims. Every investment made into the combating of human trafficking is helping restore the humanity and freedom that every individual deserves.”
Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services
#NotInMyCity is a non-profit organization working to prevent, disrupt and end human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Since 2016, the organization has been building community alliances to spur collective action, always learning from and elevating the voices of victims and survivors. The organization is an important education and awareness resource for affected sectors and all Albertans.
“This milestone wouldn’t be possible without the countless organizations and individuals who shared their experiences and expertise in our journey with Alberta’s Human Trafficking Task Force. Combating human trafficking requires collective action, and we applaud the province for taking a collaborative approach with the community.”
Paul Brandt, president and founder, #NotInMyCity and former chair, Alberta Human Trafficking Task Force
Native Counselling Services of Alberta (NCSA) has operated in the province for more than five decades with a focus on fair and equitable treatment for Indigenous people across Alberta. From supports for family and youth to restorative justice to the active pursuit of reconciliation, the NCSA has had an important and positive impact on supports and assistance for Indigenous people in the province.
“We are advocating for Indigenous people in Alberta and committed to educating others on the important issues of exploitation and human trafficking. Understanding the Indigenous worldview and the resilience of Indigenous individuals, families and communities is a gift of learning. We are here to help and hear the people.”
Marlene Orr, CEO, Native Counselling Services of Alberta
REACH Edmonton Council for Safer Communities has brought together community members and organizations for more than a decade to address social challenges, advance community safety and build relationships between cultural minority communities and police services. Their experience in engaging and convening diverse community partners to find and fill service gaps will benefit the new office.
“Human trafficking is a complex problem that requires a systems approach to tackle, with multiple partners working in unison and leveraging our collective strengths and expertise. REACH is looking forward to helping build up and operate the new office to help make Alberta a safer place for everyone.”Jan Fox, executive director, REACH Edmonton Council for Safer Communities
Jan Fox, executive director, REACH Edmonton Council for Safer Communities
With community partners now selected, work is underway to set up, organize and staff the office. The office will share updates on the progress of this work in the coming months.
Quick facts
The task force was part of the Alberta government’s platform commitment to implement a nine-point Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking.
All nine points of Alberta’s Human Trafficking Action Plan have been implemented, or implementation is ongoing.
Police services in Canada reported more than 3,500 incidents of human trafficking between 2011 and 2021, with the vast majority of victims (96 per cent) being women and girls, and one-quarter of victims under the age of 18.
The most overrepresented victim group was Indigenous women and girls.
Those interested in learning more about human trafficking, how to recognize it and how to help can take #NotInMyCity’s 30-minute online e-learning course Mobilizing Communities to Disrupt Sexual Exploitation and Sex Trafficking in Canada.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
The next round of funding for the Affordable Housing Partnership Program (AHPP) is open for applications from community partners to support innovative housing solutions.
Affordable housing enables families and individuals to use their income for other essential needs and to improve their quality of life. Alberta’s government is investing in programs to ensure Albertans have access to safe, stable and affordable housing.
Through this round of funding, Alberta’s government is providing $68 million to support innovative and sustainable affordable housing solutions for low-income Albertans. Public, non-profit and private sector partners can submit their affordable housing projects for funding until Oct. 16.
“The Affordable Housing Partnership Program fosters collaborative work and prioritizes the goal of making sure all Albertans have access to safe, stable, affordable housing. By working together with our municipal, non-profit and private sector partners, we will ensure we can deliver a variety of affordable housing options to meet local needs.”
Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services
Watch the Press Conference.
The first round of funding closed in January, resulting in the approval of $124.7 million in funding for 30 projects. The program has supported more than 1,100 affordable housing units across Alberta.
“Alberta Seniors and Community Housing Association, ASCHA, welcomes the second round of the Affordable Housing Partnership Program, which comes at a time when Alberta’s population is rapidly growing, increasing the need for all housing, especially affordable housing options. We are appreciative of government, under Minister Jason Nixon’s leadership, for committing another funding round, which is another important step to ensure we meet Alberta’s affordable housing needs.”
Arlene Adamson, president, Alberta Seniors and Community Housing Association
“In the last year, Civida was grateful to receive $14.9 million through the Affordable Housing Partnership Program to help us build an affordable 120-unit complex in south Edmonton that will, upon completion this fall, house over 300 people. We are very excited about the opportunities that new investments through this program will bring for all Albertans.”
Gord Johnston, chief executive officer, Civida
All the proposals will be assessed based on the local community needs, ability to achieve outcomes for Albertans with low income and value for taxpayer money.
Details on eligibility and the application process can be found online.
Quick facts
Some notable projects completed from the first intake of the Affordable Housing Partnership Program in January include:
$15.2 million for the City of Calgary’s Bridgeland Place Retrofit
$14.9 million for Civida’s Lendrum Redevelopment in Edmonton
$14.7 million for Meridian Housing Foundation’s Spruce Grove Lodge Supportive Living in Spruce Grove
Funding for Alberta’s Affordable Housing Partnership Program is provided through the National Housing Strategy 10-year bilateral agreement between the governments of Canada and Alberta.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
