Category: Business/Finance

  • It’s Official – Alberta’s 2015/16 Deficit Larger than Initially Thought

    Notley government hiding behind low oil prices to defer making the tough decisions to reduce spending By Steve Lafleur and Ben Eisen, The Fraser Institute VANCOUVER, B.C. / Troy Media/ – There’s no doubt that 2015/16 was a bad year for Alberta’s public finances. And with the recent release of the provincial government’s 2015/16 annual report, we…

  • High River Ranks Number 5 Overall in Canada’s Best Places for Business

    High River Ranks Number 5 Overall in Canada’s Best Places for Business

    HIGH RIVER, AB: The Town is pleased to announce that High River has ranked fifth in the 2nd annual list of Canada’s Best Places for Business by Canadian Business and PROFIT. “We are thrilled for the rest of Canada to hear what we already know here in High River; that this is a fantastic place to…

  • NDP Appointee Compares Oil Sands to “Mordor,” Calls Industry “Toxic”: Wildrose

    NDP Appointee Compares Oil Sands to “Mordor,” Calls Industry “Toxic”: Wildrose

    EDMONTON, AB: Following the establishment of the Oil Sands Advisory Group (OSAG) by the NDP government, there are serious concerns about why Ms. Tzeporah Berman has been appointed as co-chair of the panel, given the fact she is an active anti-pipeline activist and equated Alberta’s oil sands to feeling “a bit like Mordor,” the Wildrose…

  • Province Announces Oil Sands Advisory Group Membership

    Province Announces Oil Sands Advisory Group Membership

    The province is establishing an Oil Sands Advisory Group (OSAG) composed of members from industry, environmental organizations, and Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities to advise government on the oil-sands aspects of its Climate Leadership Plan and ensure that its initiatives are effective and widely supported. On the advice of leaders from industry and leading environmental organizations,…

  • Benefits of New Royalty Framework to Start Early

    Benefits of New Royalty Framework to Start Early

    Rigs and wells across Alberta can now get access to Alberta’s Modernized Royalty Framework, which will help create more jobs when drilling season starts. In response to industry requests, oil and gas producers can apply to opt in to the new, modernized royalty framework for wells that otherwise would not have been drilled. This changes…

  • Markup on Beer Producers Another NDP Tax Hike: Wildrose

    Markup on Beer Producers Another NDP Tax Hike: Wildrose

    EDMONTON, AB: The NDP government’s latest tax hike on Alberta’s small breweries is causing greater uncertainty for business owners and creates an expensive new grant program, the Wildrose Official Opposition said today. On Tuesday, the NDP government announced the tax markup on beer to $1.25 per litre regardless of production quantities or brewery location, while…

  • NDP Must be Upfront About the Cost of its Minimum Wage Ad Buy: Wildrose

    NDP Must be Upfront About the Cost of its Minimum Wage Ad Buy: Wildrose

    EDMONTON, AB: Following a massive ad buy to promote its risky and ideological carbon tax, the NDP government must now clarify just how much it’s spending to promote the increase of Alberta’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2018, the Wildrose Official Opposition said last week. The NDP government previously spent an astounding $4.4 million on a carbon…

  • Government to Create Consistency for Alberta Beer Markups

    Government to Create Consistency for Alberta Beer Markups

    In ongoing efforts to promote local jobs, economic development and trade consistency, the Government of Alberta is updating the markup for beer products sold throughout the province. The President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance, Joe Ceci, has directed the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission board to set the beer markup to $1.25/L, regardless…

  • Lawmakers Focus on Collaboration and Policy at Cross-border Conference

    Lawmakers Focus on Collaboration and Policy at Cross-border Conference

    Cameron Westhead, the MLA for Banff-Cochrane, will attend the Council of State Governments (CSG Midwest) Midwestern Legislative Conference July 17-20 in Milwaukee, Wis. CSG Midwest is a regional forum bringing together legislators and government leaders from 11 states and four Canadian provinces. The Milwaukee conference will advance discussions on agriculture and economic development and will…

  • Tough Times Will Continue for Many Albertans: ATB Economic Outlook

    Tough Times Will Continue for Many Albertans: ATB Economic Outlook

    Calgary — While there are signs of improvement, the second half of 2016 will continue to be difficult for Albertans and businesses in our province. Today, ATB Financial is releasing its latest quarterly Economic Outlook for the province, providing insight into what may happen in the months ahead. Capturing five primary economic indicators, the key results from…

  • Technical Consultation on Private Automobile Insurance Regulations is Underway

    Technical Consultation on Private Automobile Insurance Regulations is Underway

    The Alberta Government is conducting consultations with industry stakeholders on the private automobile insurance system. A targeted stakeholder consultation is underway to gather evidence-based information to inform potential technical changes to regulations governing the private insurance system. The Automobile Accident Insurance Benefits Regulations, Automobile Insurance Premiums Regulation, Minor Injury Regulation and Diagnostic and Treatment Protocols…

  • Royalty Programs to Help Boost Production and Create Jobs

    Royalty Programs to Help Boost Production and Create Jobs

    Two new royalty programs will encourage oil and gas producers to explore new areas, boost production in other areas and keep Albertans working. Following months of work with leaders in the energy industry, the government is releasing details of the new Enhanced Hydrocarbon Recovery Program and the Emerging Resources Program. When determining royalty rates, these…

  • Service Fees Reduced for Albertans When Paying Fines Online

    Service Fees Reduced for Albertans When Paying Fines Online

    Service fees for online fine payments have been lowered by half to $3. Starting July 8, Albertans can pay their fines online through fines.alberta.ca. In addition to traffic tickets, any ticket with a voluntary payment amount can be paid, including tickets for common liquor offences and LRT or C-Train violations. The online ticket payment page…

  • A Commonly Used But Often Misunderstood Tool

    A Commonly Used But Often Misunderstood Tool

    By Kim Inglis According to Deloitte, the Canadian marketplace is home to over $14 billion in publicly traded convertible debentures.  Deloitte notes their appeal is growing because convertible debentures allow issuers to take advantage of lower cash costs and high yield potential, and they also give investors the opportunity to earn current income without giving…

  • Tsuut’ina First Nations Makes Historic Announcement Regarding Major Commercial Development Serviced by SW Ringroad

    Tsuut’ina First Nations Makes Historic Announcement Regarding Major Commercial Development Serviced by SW Ringroad

    Tsuut’ina First Nation and Canderel Announce Major Commercial Development Partnership for Three Sections of Tsuut’ina – Will Leverage Southwest Ring Road Traffic – Chief Roy Whitney Calls Announcement “Historic” TSUUT’INA, AB, July 11, 2016 /CNW/ – At a press conference held today on the Tsuut’ina First Nation, plans were announced for three major commercial developments that…