Made-in-Alberta solutions
By Chantelle de Jonge Chestermere-Strathmore MLA
Alberta does not have to choose between producing energy, environmental stewardship, attracting investment, and planning for the future. This past week showed what happens when a province can do it all at once. From proving the strength of made-in-Alberta methane technology, to bringing global energy leaders to Calgary, to laying the groundwork for passenger rail, our government is focused on building a strong economy for generations to come.
Methane reduction is one area where Alberta is showing that results matter more than words. That is why our government announced more than $8 million from the industry-funded Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction program for 16 new methane reduction projects, including a new online tool to help industry adopt technology faster. These projects will support everything from artificial intelligence used to detect leaks to upgrading equipment to reduce emissions in real-world operations. Since 2014, Alberta’s energy sector has cut methane emissions by more than half while increasing production – proving that innovation, partnership, and smart policy can lower emissions without weakening our energy sector. That matters to Albertans – because it means protecting good jobs, keeping our energy sector competitive, and ensuring responsible development for the long term.
The Global Energy Show brought the world to our own backyard. Calgary played host to delegates from more than 100 countries, where Alberta showcased our energy, minerals, technology, and investment opportunities to global leaders. At a time of global uncertainty and energy supply challenges, Alberta used this platform to reinforce a simple message: we are a secure, reliable, and responsible energy partner. By promoting Alberta’s resources, technologies, and expertise directly to international decision-makers, our government helped make the case for more investment, better market access, and long-term partnerships that support jobs and economic growth here at home.
Looking ahead also means thinking about how Albertans move across a growing province. Alberta’s Passenger Rail Master Plan is now complete, and our government is investing $15 million to advance the next phase of planning. The plan looks at a phased passenger rail network over 30 years, including potential high-speed regional service between Edmonton and Calgary, higher-speed service between Calgary and Banff, and airport-express and commuter rail connections in major urban regions. Initial work is already underway to explore connections between Calgary and Edmonton’s LRT systems and their international airports. This is long-term planning with real economic potential – connecting communities, supporting tourism, improving airport access, and preparing Alberta for future growth.
Alberta’s manufacturing sector continues to grow as well, creating jobs and strengthening our economy. Last week, I joined the Honourable Joseph Schow, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration, in Wheatland County to celebrate the opening of CGC’s new $210-million wallboard manufacturing plant. Supported by $3.7 million through Alberta’s Investment and Growth Fund, the project created approximately 200 construction jobs and will support nearly 100 permanent positions. The new facility will strengthen the supply of building materials across Western Canada while helping diversify Alberta’s economy and create new opportunities in rural communities.
This is what responsible development looks like in Alberta: responsible energy without punishing industry, international outreach that turns attention into opportunity, forward-looking transportation planning, and manufacturing. Alberta’s government is focused on building a province that continues to produce, prosper, connect, and lead.
As always, please free to reach out to my office with your feedback and questions (Chestermere.Strathmore@assembly.ab.ca).
(Chantelle de Jonge is the MLA for Chestermere-Strathmore and the Parliamentary Secretary for Affordability and Utilities)