Sweetgrass and CFWE news - March 2, 2016

Quebec to take legal action against Energy East

March 1, 2016. Premier Rachel Notley has not reacted as strongly as other provincial leaders to the Quebec government’s announcement Tuesday that they will request an injunction related to TransCanada's proposed Energy East pipeline in order to force the company to go through Quebec’s environmental process. "It is not the politically divisive and problematic issue that people might have first thought it was," said Notley. In statements released earlier in the day, both Wildrose Leader Brian Jean and Liberal Leader David Swann had strong words. Said Jean, “Further attempts to strong arm Alberta’s industry from provinces across the country needs to stop. It’s time the federal government stopped playing on the sidelines and finally showed support for Canada’s energy sector.” Notley said her staff had been talking to Quebec since they were told Monday of Quebec’s legal approach and that TransCanada was willing to proceed with Quebec’s environmental process. "Should our understanding of what's going on change, then you'll see a different reaction," Notley said. Swann said, “Going forward the Premier of Alberta must ensure that her actions match today’s strong words.” The $15.7-billion Energy East pipeline, originating in Hardisty, Alberta, would carry 1.1 million barrels a day of crude as far east as Saint John, serving domestic refineries and international customers.

Alberta Works overwhelmed by those needing support

March 1. Alberta Liberal Leader David Swann says he has heard from constituents, who have been turned away by Alberta Works, not because they were ineligible but because Alberta Works is understaffed. Alberta Works provides income support (for those who no longer have employment insurance coming in), health benefits and rental subsidies. According to the Alberta government, staff reported an increased caseload of 19.8 per cent between December 2014 and December 2015. That number only accounts for Albertans who have had their application approved and processed and not the number of office visits. In a statement issued Tuesday, Swann said, “The NDP aren’t even delivering the services to Albertans they’ve budgeted for. This doesn’t appear to be a money issue, just an issue requiring better management.” Unemployment in Alberta reached 7.4 per cent in January, the highest since 1996. In response to this, the Notley government has requested that the federal government ease qualification requirements for Albertans.

Province seeks input into public transportation

March 1, 2016. Alberta Transportation will be consulting with elected officials from Indigenous communities, urban and rural municipalities, and federal ministers, as well as non-elected officials from Indigenous communities, municipalities, private industry, labour groups, social advocacy groups and non-profit transit and bus operators on the future of public transit across the province. “Improved rural bus service will provide Albertans living in smaller communities with reliable access to essential services in larger centres, like health care facilities. It’s time for us to create a new vision for transit in Alberta,” Transportation Minister Brian Mason said in a statement Tuesday. There will be two streams of engagement – urban and rural – and an online public survey, all of which will inform the development of an overall provincial transit strategy and criteria for future funding for municipal transit initiatives and rural bus service. Consultations will be held during spring.