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Alberta

“…(Alberta’s) been booming so long that people think it’s our time to suffer…”

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3 minute read

Producer Notes:

What an emotional piece of video here shared by Heidi, and the links between layoffs and suicide in Alberta. The data is very clear that there’s a direct correlation and an increase in suicide rates and what’s going on in our world gasps History and dad’s especially fathers can be under tremendous pressure if they’re the solo income earner for their family. Not only are you at high risk of financial collapse if you lose your job, but the emotional toll that that can take and the impact on your mental health, confidence.  My heart goes out to families that are suffering…”

 

The following is a transcript of the above video interview with Heidi McKillop, Director, Producer “A Stranded Nation”.

“…  The interesting thing about when you see this issue in the news about oil and gas and that we don’t need it, for instance, or that it’s dirty oil and then it’s getting displaced to another jurisdiction around the world is quite literally the impact it has had directly in this province.  

I mean, you can see in downtown Calgary especially, but definitely in the rural communities as well, like Grande Prairie, you name it.  There has been an unbelievable shift in terms of what communities are up against with layoffs, and there’s a part of a documentary — I don’t know if you know this, but there was an article, and it was the suicide rates going up 30 percent in Alberta that year.  

I mean, it’s a debate of if that was directly related related to the recession or not, that was part of it.  But there was certainly a connection between economic downturn and mental health issues on the rise.  

And that article was actually about a little girl that had killed herself because her dad had lost his job.  And it was a really, really sad article, and I just said to myself, I was like, if people can’t have compassion about the fact that people are drastically getting affected in their family lives, then that’s probably not the messaging that we’re trying to reach to those people, because they are obviously showing a lack of compassion in that area.  And that, to me, is very sad to see because it happens quite often.  

Especially when I go home, you know, Alberta’s been booming for so many years and so many decades, people just think we’ve been booming for so long and long enough that it’s our time to suffer.  But that’s just not the way that we should start thinking.  It’s very dangerous.  Yeah, it makes me so angry actually.  Yeah, it’s pretty rough.  

Heidi McKillop, Director, Producer “A Stranded Nation”

https://twitter.com/heidimckillop?lang=en

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A Director/ Producer who is motivated in changing the negative public narrative of Canadian energy development. Highly passionate about pipeline development projects, our national economic interests, energy security, a competitive oil & gas sector and the benefits it provides to all Canadians. An enthusiastic professional who is a resourceful, dedicated and results-driven advocate in representing our Canadian Natural Resource sector.

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Alberta

Alberta introducing three “all-season resort areas” to provide more summer activities in Alberta’s mountain parks

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Three iconic ski resorts to become summer hiking, mountain biking, zip-lining destinations.

Castle, Fortress and Nakiska have been designated as Alberta’s first all-season resort areas, making it easier for people to stay and play year-round.

For decades, red tape has restricted these resorts to winter operations and limited the ability to make facility upgrades or simply maintain existing facilities. These resorts are central to Alberta’s outdoor heritage, inspiring generations of athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. They have hosted world-class events such as the 1988 Olympics and served as the backdrop for cinematic blockbusters like The Revenant and Jumanji: The Next Level. All-season resort area designations support the revitalization of iconic resorts while maintaining strong environmental protections.

All-season resort areas will offer a wider variety of affordable and accessible recreation experiences for families, outdoor enthusiasts and visitors. These designations simplify regulatory processes while maintaining Alberta’s high environmental standards.

“Our government is proud to champion former Premier Peter Lougheed’s vision for Alberta’s Rockies, ensuring future generations can continue to access and enjoy these beautiful areas. By helping revitalize Alberta’s legendary ski resorts, we are striking the right balance of economic growth, environmental stewardship and Indigenous opportunity.”

Andrew Boitchenko, Minister of Tourism and Sport

Environmental excellence remains a core requirement. All projects must meet Alberta’s existing environmental standards, including the Public Lands ActWater Act, and Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, and will be subject to environmental assessment. Plans must address wildlife protection, water conservation, wildfire mitigation and sustainable visitor behaviour.

Since 2019, Alberta has expanded provincial parks and recreation areas by more than 300,000 hectares. As part of these designations, minor boundary adjustments ensure long-standing ski terrain is placed under the appropriate regulator, affecting less than 0.03 per cent of Alberta’s parks system.

“All-season destinations are all about serving community and building community. The new all-season policy will bring both social and economic opportunities to Alberta.”

Christopher Nicolson, CEO, Canada West Ski Areas Association

Over the next decade, these three all-season resort areas have the potential to create 24,000 new jobs, $3.6 billion in GDP, and $4 billion in visitor spending. All-season resort developers and operators will be encouraged to partner with local businesses and use locally sourced materials, workforce talent, suppliers and service providers.

“Alberta’s outdoor recreation and resort potential was held back for decades by an unworkable land-use framework, even as our population grew. The new all-season resort regulations will now help catalyze responsible, year-round, nature-based development that draws new rural investment and strengthens Alberta’s culture of stewardship through lived connections with the land.”

Darren Reeder, President and CEO, Tourism Industry Association of Alberta

All-season resorts present the opportunity to further support Indigenous economic participation, leadership and cultural inclusion in Alberta’s visitor economy. Alberta’s government is committed to continuing meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities, including ensuring that Treaty rights and traditional practices are respected.

To foster trust, transparency and collaboration in the development and management of all-season resorts, Indigenous groups were formally consulted by Alberta’s government as part of designation evaluations. Prospective project proponents must undertake consultations in accordance with Government of Alberta consultation policies and guidelines.

“Alberta’s first all-season resort areas mark an important step forward, and we are encouraged by the ongoing engagement between our Nations and proponents. When development respects our land and is built on true partnership with our communities, it creates meaningful opportunities for Indigenous Peoples, supporting economic growth, strengthening leadership and sharing our culture with visitors.”

Chief Aaron Young, Chiniki First Nation

“We look forward to working with the province to make sure that Treaty rights are upheld, protect the land and maintain open dialogue with our communities as these resorts move forward, ensuring Indigenous Peoples play a leading role in shaping Alberta’s visitor economy for generations to come.”

Chief Clifford Poucette, Goodstoney First Nation

“The All-Seasons Resort Act presents a significant opportunity for meaningful Indigenous economic participation in the tourism sector. By capitalizing on this potential, Indigenous tourism can propel Alberta’s tourism sector to become a national leader and serve as a tangible tool for economic reconciliation, including job creation, language revitalization and cultural pride.”

Chelsey Quirk, CEO, Indigenous Tourism Alberta

Alberta’s government has created a clear regulatory pathway for all-season resorts. Designation is the first step in the regulatory process. Prospective project proponents can now begin Indigenous consultation, public engagement and proposal submissions to the regulator. Each proposal will be carefully reviewed by the regulator with input from subject matter experts and affected municipalities.


Revitalizing Alberta’s iconic ski resorts – STAKEHOLDER QUOTES

“Alberta’s outdoor recreation and resort potential was held back for decades by an unworkable land-use framework, even as our population grew. The new all-season resort regulations will now help catalyze responsible, year-round, nature-based development that draws new rural investment and strengthens Alberta’s culture of stewardship through lived connections with the land.”

Darren Reeder, president and CEO, Tourism Industry Association of Alberta

“The All-Seasons Resort Act is exciting news for Alberta’s tourism sector. We welcome the clarity it gives to plan for the future of Kananaskis. We look forward to working with our partners and the province to support sustainable, year-round growth in a way that benefits our communities and protects what makes this place so special.”

Rachel Ludwig, CEO, Tourism Canmore Kananaskis

“The All-Seasons Resort Act presents a significant opportunity for meaningful Indigenous economic participation in the tourism sector. By capitalizing on this potential, Indigenous tourism can propel Alberta’s tourism sector to become a national leader and serve as a tangible tool for economic reconciliation, including job creation, language revitalization and cultural pride.”

Chelsey Quirk, CEO, Indigenous Tourism Alberta

“All-season destinations are all about serving community and building community. The new all-season policy will bring both social and economic opportunities to Alberta.”

Christopher Nicolson, president and CEO, Canada West Ski Areas Association

“Alberta’s first all-season resort areas mark an important step forward, and we are encouraged by the ongoing engagement between our Nations and proponents. When development respects our land and is built on true partnership with our communities, it creates meaningful opportunities for Indigenous Peoples, supporting economic growth, strengthening leadership and sharing our culture with visitors.”

Chief Aaron Young, Chiniki First Nation

“We look forward to working with the province to make sure that Treaty rights are upheld, protect the land and maintain open dialogue with our communities as these resorts move forward, ensuring Indigenous Peoples play a leading role in shaping Alberta’s visitor economy for generations to come.”

Chief Clifford Poucette, Goodstoney First Nation 

“Alberta Municipalities appreciates the provincial government’s commitment to municipal collaboration with the new All Season Resort Policy. Early consultation with municipalities results in stronger partnerships and better regional decisions that benefit Albertans.”

Dylan Bressey, president, Alberta Municipalities

“AIOC welcomes the Government of Alberta’s leadership in ensuring Indigenous Nations and groups are engaged early in all-season tourism development. That approach supports reconciliation through responsible land stewardship, and long-term economic prosperity. With our expanded mandate, AIOC is ready to advance Indigenous-led tourism projects that drive investment and sustainable growth across the province.”

Chana Martineau, CEO, Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation
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Alberta

They never wanted a pipeline! – Deputy Conservative Leader Melissa Lantsman

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From Melissa Lantsman

Turns out the anti-development wing of the Liberal Party never stopped running the show.

Today, we’ll see if the Liberals vote for the pipeline they just finished bragging about.

Spoiler: they won’t. Because with the Liberals, the announcements are real, but the results never are.

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