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Alberta

Chief Waquan thanks community and staff who committed years of time and effort on Teck Frontier project

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From the Mikisew Crew Nation

February 24, 2020

Wood Buffalo, AB -​Chief Archie Waquan respects Teck Frontier’s decision to withdraw its application for a proposed project in Wood Buffalo, Alberta. Mikisew Cree First Nation believes a new precedent has been set on how industry and government consult with First Nations on major projects.

Chief Archie Waquan, said, “Through our work with Teck, Alberta and Canada around this project, we built stronger relationships with government and industry on how consultation can proactively take cultural, environmental, social and community needs into account in decision-making. That good work stands as a model.”

Chief Waquan thanked the community and staff, who committed years of time and effort, in ensuring Mikisew’s interests were heard and its rights were protected through mitigation and accommodation measures. Chief Waquan also noted the innovative solutions to protect Wood Buffalo National Park, bison and cultural rights were realized because of a collaborative relationship between all parties.

Melody Lepine, Director of MCFN Government & Industry Relations, is with Chief Waquan in Ottawa today, meeting with Federal Environment Minister, Jonathan Wilkinson. “We must continue this important work, to protect the Ronald Bison herd, Wood Buffalo National Park, and other areas needing to be preserved in the area. The Nikechinahonan framework, utilized in this conversation, ensured cultural and environmental rights are to be upheld and protected. This is essential for a healthy Peace Athabasca Delta.”

Mikisew urges the Nikechinhonan framework is a positive blueprint that should be used in the future. ​The First Nation will continue to work with industry and government to build economic and employment opportunities in a way that respects the environment and treaty rights.

Alberta and two First Nations make deal for proposed oilsands mine

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Agriculture

Lacombe meat processor scores $1.2 million dollar provincial tax credit to help expansion

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Alberta’s government continues to attract investment and grow the provincial economy.

The province’s inviting and tax-friendly business environment, and abundant agricultural resources, make it one of North America’s best places to do business. In addition, the Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit helps attract investment that will further diversify Alberta’s agriculture industry.

Beretta Farms is the most recent company to qualify for the tax credit by expanding its existing facility with the potential to significantly increase production capacity. It invested more than $10.9 million in the project that is expected to increase the plant’s processing capacity from 29,583 to 44,688 head of cattle per year. Eleven new employees were hired after the expansion and the company plans to hire ten more. Through the Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit, Alberta’s government has issued Beretta Farms a tax credit of $1,228,735.

“The Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit is building on Alberta’s existing competitive advantages for agri-food companies and the primary producers that supply them. This facility expansion will allow Beretta Farms to increase production capacity, which means more Alberta beef across the country, and around the world.”

RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation

“This expansion by Beretta Farms is great news for Lacombe and central Alberta. It not only supports local job creation and economic growth but also strengthens Alberta’s global reputation for producing high-quality meat products. I’m proud to see our government supporting agricultural innovation and investment right here in our community.”

Jennifer Johnson, MLA for Lacombe-Ponoka

The tax credit provides a 12 per cent non-refundable, non-transferable tax credit when businesses invest $10 million or more in a project to build or expand a value-added agri-processing facility in Alberta. The program is open to any food manufacturers and bio processors that add value to commodities like grains or meat or turn agricultural byproducts into new consumer or industrial goods.

Beretta Farms’ facility in Lacombe is a federally registered, European Union-approved harvesting and meat processing facility specializing in the slaughter, processing, packaging and distribution of Canadian and United States cattle and bison meat products to 87 countries worldwide.

“Our recent plant expansion project at our facility in Lacombe has allowed us to increase our processing capacities and add more job opportunities in the central Alberta area. With the support and recognition from the Government of Alberta’s tax credit program, we feel we are in a better position to continue our success and have the confidence to grow our meat brands into the future.”

Thomas Beretta, plant manager, Beretta Farms

Alberta’s agri-processing sector is the second-largest manufacturing industry in the province and meat processing plays an important role in the sector, generating millions in annual economic impact and creating thousands of jobs. Alberta continues to be an attractive place for agricultural investment due to its agricultural resources, one of the lowest tax rates in North America, a business-friendly environment and a robust transportation network to connect with international markets.

Quick facts

  • Since 2023, there are 16 applicants to the Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit for projects worth about $1.6 billion total in new investment in Alberta’s agri-processing sector.
  • To date, 13 projects have received conditional approval under the program.
    • Each applicant must submit progress reports, then apply for a tax credit certificate when the project is complete.
  • Beretta Farms has expanded the Lacombe facility by 10,000 square feet to include new warehousing, cooler space and an office building.
    • This project has the potential to increase production capacity by 50 per cent, thereby facilitating entry into more European markets.

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Alberta

Alberta Next: Alberta Pension Plan

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From Premier Danielle Smith and Alberta.ca/Next

Let’s talk about an Alberta Pension Plan for a minute.

With our young Alberta workforce paying billions more into the CPP each year than our seniors get back in benefits, it’s time to ask whether we stay with the status quo or create our own Alberta Pension Plan that would guarantee as good or better benefits for seniors and lower premiums for workers.

I want to hear your perspective on this idea and please check out the video. Get the facts. Join the conversation.

Visit Alberta.ca/next

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