New solar certificate programs aim to bolster skilled trades

By Natasha Bulowski, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Canada needs more people working in clean-tech trades, and a new solar installation course aims to make it as easy as possible to break into this line of work. George Brown College just launched new solar energy technician and solar panel installer certificate programs to prepare students for solar installation jobs. The two new … Read more…

Industry and sound environmental approach can coexist, Alberta MLA representing historic coal mining area says

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The legislature spotlight stopped on Livingstone-Macleod during a week that saw the UCP repeatedly celebrate its support of Alberta’s rural and remote communities. Livingstone-Macleod MLA Chelsae Petrovic emphasized industrial diversification in her constituency as an example of a government dedicated to balancing environmental concerns with building economies that benefit all Albertans.  Petrovic called industry … Read more…

Wilkinson says Canada should not scrap climate policies to appease oil and gas executives

By John Woodside, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The fossil fuel industry’s call to roll back environmental policy at a time of economic crisis will hurt Canadians in the long run, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson told the executives of Canada’s largest oil and gas companies Thursday. “It is disappointing to see the CEOs of major Canadian energy companies  seemingly … Read more…

Jasper SkyTram reopens after surviving wildfire last summer

By Peter Shokeir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Jasper SkyTram began its 2025 season Friday (March 21) after closing early last summer due to wildfire. While the Jasper wildfire burned much of the Whistlers mountainside, the aerial tramway was largely unharmed, with only its cables and the stations’ coolers full of spoiled food having to be replaced. “The fire came up … Read more…

Feds urged to act now to develop economic corridors

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A Canada united by economic corridors operating coast-to-coast-to-coast would pay dividends to rural and remote Alberta, a UCP cabinet minister said Friday from Quebec City. But Devin Dreeshen added that his vision needs action from the federal government to foster cross-country cooperation and correct past and ongoing wrongs. Attending a conference of provincial and … Read more…

Health care, schools and roads top capital spending as more bucks flow to Alberta’s regions

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Capital projects – the stuff you can see, touch, use repeatedly, walk through or even drive upon — will account for $26.1 billion in provincial spending over the next three years, the Alberta government estimates in a deficit budget released last Thursday. For regions beyond the two major cities, the question is, How many … Read more…