Economic

Building better business: High-calibre training coming to Crowsnest Pass through provincial grant

Posted on: Staff Writer

By Somya Lohia, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Business owners and entrepreneurs in Crowsnest Pass will soon have access to high-calibre training and networking opportunities through a newly funded initiative aimed at enhancing skills and strengthening local economic resilience. As part of the second round of Alberta’s Small Community Opportunity Program, the province is supporting community-led projects that promote innovation and sustainable … Read more…

Via Rail names railcar ‘Jasper Park’ to honour community’s resilience

Posted on: Staff Writer

By Peter Shokeir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter JASPER – Via Rail has named one of its train cars after Jasper National Park in honour of the community’s enduring spirit post-wildfire. Parks Canada CEO Ron Hallman joined officials with Via Rail and the Municipality of Jasper to celebrate the naming during a Wednesday (July 2) ceremony at the Jasper Train Station shortly … Read more…

Energy minister leans on oil industry talking points in carbon capture announcement

Posted on: Staff Writer

By Natasha Bulowski, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter At a carbon capture funding announcement, Canada’s energy minister was using rhetoric straight out of Big Oil’s playbook. On Friday, the federal government announced $21.5 million for a handful of carbon capture projects in Alberta, and while the amount isn’t going to move the needle, Energy and Natural Resource Minister Tim Hodgson’s choice of … Read more…

Keep away from wokeness and DEI, new minister warns municipalities

Posted on: Staff Writer

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Major municipalities should steer clear of creating drug injection sites, licensing body rub parlours and banning plastic straws, says the first municipal affairs minister from rural Alberta since January 2021. Using terms like woke and DEI, Dan Williams said municipalities of every size and type should concentrate on services taxpayers deserve and expect. “I … Read more…

Hundreds kept out of meeting on controversial Crowsnest Pass coal mine

Posted on: Staff Writer

By Alexandra Noad, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Premier’s Coal Town Hall event held on Wednesday evening at the Fort Macleod and District Community Hall was described as “a gong show” by many in attendance, with several being left outside, including the media. Hundreds of people lined up down the street hours before the doors opened, many of them protesting the … Read more…

Boos, cheers and pointed questions: Emotions flare at coal town hall with Danielle Smith, ministers

Posted on: Staff Writer

By Somya Lohia, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter “You took us down!” “What about the back room deal?” Voices shouted in protest, fists pounded on chairs and anti-mining placards waved in the air at the Fort Macleod community hall as Premier Danielle Smith stepped to the podium June 11 to face sharp scrutiny over Alberta’s coal future. Dozens stood along the walls, … Read more…