Articles from Radio-Canada

During a public consultation in Edmonton about Alberta's future within Canada, Premier Danielle Smith faced criticism from attendees. Proposals discussed included creating a provincial police force, establishing an individual pension fund, and controlling immigration independent of federal regulations. Concerns were raised about the potential risks and effectiveness of these proposals, along with opposition to creating divisions by questioning the role of immigrants in Alberta's economy.

Alberta plans to hold public consultations in the fall regarding the introduction of nuclear energy to its energy mix, primarily through small modular reactors (SMRs). This initiative, announced by Premier Danielle Smith, aims to explore the potential of nuclear energy to support oil sands operations. The province looks to Ontario as an example, where nuclear energy plays a significant role. Ontario Power Generation already advances with SMRs, and similar projects are planned in Alberta to strengthen its energy infrastructure.

The Canadian federal government is investing $21.5 million in five carbon capture and storage projects in Alberta to accelerate its commitment to environmental sustainability. The main project, involving Bow Valley Carbon, will receive $10 million to install a state-of-the-art carbon capture system. These investments contrast with the stalling of a larger $16.5 billion initiative by major oil sands producers. The move underscores Canada's ambition to become a global leader in clean technologies, aligning economic growth with reduced emissions.

Alberta has removed the regulatory limit on natural gas flaring following instances where energy producers exceeded the provincial cap for two consecutive years. The decision by the Alberta Energy Regulator fulfills government instructions to reconsider outdated flaring policies due to increased oil production and new emission reduction strategies. Critics argue that this move does not address environmental concerns, as flaring contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. The policy change comes amid an expansion of oil production in the province.

The Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, in service since May 2024, has partially met expectations by significantly reducing the price differential for Canadian oil and enhancing market stability. While this has benefited Alberta's economy and the oil industry, there is debate over whether the considerable federal investment is justified. Indigenous ownership of the pipeline is still pending, and usage rates fall short of initial forecasts. The potential long-term benefits of diversification via this infrastructure remain uncertain.