Alberta
Premier Notley easing off the brake on oil production limit
From the Province of Alberta
Province eases oil production limitsAs storage levels draw down and the value of Alberta’s oil increases, the province is increasing the limit on oil production. Premier Rachel Notley’s decision to protect the value of Alberta’s oil has been instrumental in helping reduce the amount of oil in storage, which had been nearly twice the normal level and resulted in the resources owned by all Albertans being given away for pennies on the dollar. In response to new storage data, Alberta is increasing production in February and March to 3.63 million barrels per day, which is a 75,000-barrel per day increase from the January limit of 3.56 million barrels per day.
Alberta’s goal has always been to match production levels to what can be shipped using existing pipeline and rail capacity, while encouraging a reduction in storage levels. The decision to temporarily limit oil production was applied fairly and equitably, and has been instrumental in saving jobs across the energy sector. Since the production limit was announced in December 2018, storage levels in Alberta have dropped ahead of schedule, declining by five million barrels to a total of 30 million barrels in storage. Analysis based on independent data suggests storage levels have been decreasing roughly one million barrels per week since the start of 2019 and are on track to continue clearing the storage glut that led to unprecedented discounts for Alberta oil in late 2018.
BackgroundBased on the Q1 2019 forecast of production, government announced on Dec. 2, 2018 a reduction in production of 325,000 barrels a day of raw crude oil and raw bitumen. That 325,000 bpd was established as the difference between pipeline and takeaway capacity of 3.56 million barrels a day and the Q1 2019 publicly stated industry-wide forecast production of 3.89 million barrels a day. The first 10,000 barrels per day a company produces remains exempt from any production limits, meaning 28 of over 300 producers in Alberta are subject to the production limits. Since the production limits were introduced, government has amended its formula for determining how to allocate space under the production limit. It was determined that starting in February government would use each company’s highest level of production during their best single month from November 2017 to October 2018 as its baseline production level. This was a change from the original formula where the baseline would be established on a company’s highest six-month average over the same time period. This change was made after listening to concerns from industry and advice from the Alberta Energy Regulator to better account for companies that were in the process of ramping up production as part of long-term investments in the province. |
From the Government of Alberta: Ensuring fairness for newcomers
Bill 11, the Fair Registration Practices Act, will help newcomers get their credentials recognized, so they can quickly get to work in their fields to help grow the economy and create jobs.
The act is a key part of the government’s Fairness for Newcomers Action Plan.
Highly trained immigrant professionals can sometimes spend years jumping through regulatory hoops while their skills atrophy.
This can result in a significant loss of economic productivity for the Alberta economy. If passed, the Fair Registration Practices Act would cut red tape, remove barriers, speed up the process where possible, hold professional bodies accountable, and increase fairness and transparency.
“Our goal is to get all Albertans back to work. Too often, we hear stories of ‘doctors driving cabs’ syndrome – and we are taking action to make sure newcomers’ credentials are evaluated and assessed objectively and in a timely manner.” Jason Kenney, Premier
“It’s important for Alberta’s professional bodies to maintain high professional standards while allowing qualified newcomers to fully contribute to our economy. And not only that, giving newcomers the chance to pursue the careers they’ve trained for is, simply put, the right thing to do.” Jason Copping, Minister of Labour and Immigration
“The settlement sector in Alberta has been advocating for fair recognition of newcomer qualifications for decades. The proven detrimental impact of underemployment of newcomer professionals is felt not only within their own families, but throughout society as well. We are certain that fair recognition of credentials will improve the quality of life of all Albertans, and are grateful this legislation is being introduced so quickly by the new government.” Anila Lee Yuen, president & CEO, Centre for Newcomers
The proposed bill would:
- Provide the authority to create a Fair Registration Practices Office.
- Reduce the red tape associated with the assessment of foreign credentials.
- Work with regulators to ensure registration practices are transparent, objective, impartial and fair.
- Maintain Alberta’s high professional standards.
Bill 11 would require regulatory bodies to:
- Assess applications and communicate assessment decisions within specific time frames for interim registration decisions and within reasonable time frames for final registration decisions.
- Submit reports regarding fair registration practices to the minister responsible for the act.
“ASET is the regulator of engineering and geoscience technology practice in Alberta, and is committed to fully objective criteria for certification, and a level playing field for all applicants. Having long since adopted high standards of fairness in our admissions practices, ASET applauds the initiative for fair assessment of all applicants.” Barry Cavanaugh, CEO, Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta
If passed, the legislation would come into force on proclamation.
Quick facts
- According to the Conference Board of Canada, Canadians would earn up to $17 billion more annually if their learning credentials were fully recognized.
- Immigrants are the largest group, with an estimated 524,000 international credential holders affected by a lack of learning recognition.
- Provinces such as Ontario, Manitoba and Nova Scotia already have fairness legislation to ensure that professional regulatory organizations have fair registration practices.
Do not approach the suspect. Please contact the RCMP at Fairview at 780-835-4031 if you have any information.
Description: At 9:45 AM this morning, 7 month old Jameson Sundby was abducted from his home in Fairview. Jameson Sundby has blonde hair and blue eyes, and is wearing a blue t-shirt with a star on it and grey sweat pants with cars on them. Jameson Sundby was abducted by his father John Sundby. John Sundby is 5′ 11″ tall and 230 lbs., brown hair, brown eyes.
They were last seen leaving a residence in Fairview, driving a 2012, black Dodge Ram 3500, Alberta licence plate C-B-F, 3 3 1 3. The vehicle was last seen leaving Fairview, in an unknown direction.
june, 2019
The Works International Visual Arts Society advances the development, awareness and appreciation of art and design in Canada and provides artists, designers and the public a forum for exchanging ideas. The Works Art & Design Festival, entering its 33rd year, is the most unique, free event of its kind. It attracts artists, designers and patrons from around the world – boosting the city’s energy and imagination for 13 days each summer. The best in cutting-edge design, digital art and new media technology are showcased alongside traditional visual art mediums in galleries transformed from alternative spaces. Visitors also participate in workshops and seminars about the exciting changes and arising issues in art and design. Edmonton enjoys The Works Society’s programs year-round through its education programs and the Art & Design in Public Places Program which leaves permanent art and design in public places.
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