This And That

Canada should play big role in new world oil order -"This is good from an energy security perspective. However, the increasing attention to climate change, and the very fact that the Canadian oilsands in general have higher carbon dioxide emissions compared to conventional oil is a significant problem for Canada,"

"And I think more and more work is needed to make use of this very important oilsands in an environmentally friendly way."

"He said oilsands production could reach as high as 10 per cent of total world supplies - significant but not enough to alter the so-called new world order. " IEA chief economist Fatih Birol

10% of the world's supplies IS significant if you think that it is coming from Canada a country whose population is just over 31,000,000. With the oil sands producing most of the oil in Canada that brings the focus to a province with a population of 3,000,000 looks like the economy will be quite good there.


Hot-cold house sales steadying - "By the end of the year, Edmonton could get something it hasn't seen for several years -- a "normalized" housing market, as homes for sale dry up and prices drop..."

"The high inventory levels will dwindle into the second half of the year, and as affordability improves, subsequent market conditions will continue to normalize," House Price Survey and Market Survey Forecast by Royal LePage Real Estate Services.

So by 2009 we should see prices completely leveling out with rises anticipated for the year.

Edmonton cultural venues get $6.5 million - "This investment in Edmonton's thriving arts district will help these facilities continue to showcase Edmonton's and Alberta's arts and cultural community for generations to come."

"The Alberta government gave $2.4 million to the Citadel, and $500,000 to the Winspear. The City of Edmonton is contributing an additional $3.6 million to the Citadel."

Edmonton is turning into a world class city with a fantastic arts infrastructure.

New City Website Calculates Carbon Footprint -"For anyone who has ever wanted to know how much a flight to Europe really costs, or the net worth of a daily 25-minute commute, City Hall is offering new answers online.

An element of the city's website launched this afternoon allows residents to calculate their environmental footprints.

A carbon calculator - found by visiting www.edmonton.ca/ecovision - works out the total cost of everyday activities by tonnes of carbon used."