This and That October 2016

The trouble with B.C. Premier Clark's jab at Alberta's oil economy - "In stating her support for the project, Clark happened to utter a phrase remarkably similar to one made countless times by pretty much every political leader in neighbouring Alberta.

“We want to make sure we can get these goods… to market,” she said.

Many were likely unamused by the irony of that statement, and with good reason. It was Clark’s government that responded to various calls from Alberta to get its own goods to market by imposing strict conditions on Alberta’s attempts to reach those markets.

Clark’s resistance emboldened opponents to new oil sands pipelines in her province, contributing to the economic challenges Alberta now faces as its oil sands industry continues to sell its output at a substantial discount due largely to a lack of market access new pipelines would have created. The B.C. Premier acknowledged those challenges in her comments." Read more here

Alberta announces $100M in investments to diversify economy - "Alberta has announced close to $100 million in investments as part of its stated goal to further diversify the provincial economy.

Economic Development Minister Deron Bilous said the money will be used to support job creation and innovation in the renewable energy and natural gas sectors.

He said almost $46 million will to go TransAlta Renewables to expand developments in clean energy.

Another $46 million will to Calfrac Well Services to further environmental innovation in the oil and gas industry." Read more here

Edmonton's real estate market holds steady despite economic slump - “Alberta’s economy has been under enormous pressure for some time, but the residential real estate market in the Edmonton census metropolitan area continues to hold,”

 “Prices and unit sales for residential homes are consistent with last year, down less than one per cent and two per cent respectively.” Steve Sedgwick, chairman of the Realtors Association of Edmonton, said in a statement -Read more here 

Alberta premier applauds Ceapro's new biotech facility as a model of economic diversification -
"Ceapro Inc.  - which employs about 30 people — specializes in taking raw materials, such as oats, and turning them into active ingredients in healthcare and cosmetic products. The company is opening a new facility which will provide jobs to another 30 . " Read more here