Category: Business/Finance

  • Consumers to benefit from electricity system improvements

    Electricity customers will soon have greater clarity and transparency in their bills, while benefiting from a more competitive retail marketplace. Based on the advice of an MLA team, and the passing of Bill 201, government will take action in three key areas: Clarifying that the Local Access Fee on customers’ bills is set and collected…

  • Big drop in Alberta small business confidence in December

      Barometer index declines 7.4 points, biggest single monthly drop in over five years CALGARY, December 30, 2014 – According to the latest Business Barometer survey results released by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) today, Alberta’s small business confidence index dropped by more than seven points in December to 66.2, the largest monthly…

  • Government Protects Private Sector Pension Plans

    Government Protects Private Sector Pension Plans

    Cabinet has extended a moratorium on solvency for a group of private sector pension plans, protecting the benefits of 158,000 plan members. In their December 18 meeting, Cabinet approved two changes to the Employment Pension Plans Regulation, which applies to private sector pension plans. One of the changes allows defined benefit collectively-bargained, multi-employer pension plans…

  • 12 New Year’s resolutions to help you build a healthier business

    12 New Year’s resolutions to help you build a healthier business

    The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to step back and plan activities that will build your leadership skill and lead to a more resilient, profitable and growth-oriented business. You don’t have to do it all right away. How about introducing one new activity each month? Just make sure your action plan includes…

  • Year’s End is No Time to Rest for Many Workers in Alberta

    Year’s End is No Time to Rest for Many Workers in Alberta

    While most Albertans take a break from work or school, many continue to work so we can enjoy the season. The end of the year is a time when many Albertans gather with family and friends to celebrate the holiday season, enjoy festive events and take a break from their daily routines. Some workers don’t…

  • 25 Campus Alberta Market Modifiers Approved

    25 Campus Alberta Market Modifiers Approved

    Market modifier increases will improve quality in 25 Campus Alberta programs. Government has approved tuition increases in 25 programs to enhance program quality and correct tuition anomalies between programs in Alberta and across Canada. One application was rejected for not meeting the criteria. Existing students in the approved programs will not be impacted by the…

  • Small Businesses Take the Lead on Green Technology Innovation

    Small Businesses Take the Lead on Green Technology Innovation

    By Jennifer Moore, Greener Ideal “We need miracles,” says Bill Gates. “We need to take the CO2 rate down to 0 in less than 25 years.” So where do we turn? To universities? Well, to a certain extent we do, but the best place to find fast, budget friendly, green technology innovation is to the…

  • Exercise Good Judgment Before Signing Gym, Spa Contract

    Exercise Good Judgment Before Signing Gym, Spa Contract

    Getting healthier is a popular New Year’s resolution, but consumers should exercise good judgment before signing up for a long-term fitness or health-related membership. The annual contract you sign in January may last a lot longer than your resolve, despite your best intentions. Paying on a month-to-month basis may make more sense until you’re sure…

  • International Agriculture Summit Focuses on Rural Issues

    International Agriculture Summit Focuses on Rural Issues

    Agriculture Minister Verlyn Olson will highlight Alberta’s actions to strengthen agriculture and rural development at the Legislative Ag Chairs Summit in Florida in January. The annual summit, organized by the State Agriculture and Rural Leaders, brings together key industry representatives and elected officials from across Canada and the United States to discuss agriculture and rural…

  • What to do with the Trillion Dollar Windfall?

    What to do with the Trillion Dollar Windfall?

    By Esir Pretne, ABC Tech A trillion dollars is about to enter the Canadian market, this is the magnitude of the generational wealth to be transferred as baby boomers formally retire. The transition will be one of the most defining moments of the century. What can we expect of government and industry? And what are…

  • Financial Post: Nevermind U.S. shale, Saudi Arabia’s oil power play targets Iran’s economy

    Financial Post: Nevermind U.S. shale, Saudi Arabia’s oil power play targets Iran’s economy

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  • 5 Ways to Reduce Your Debt Footprint in 2015

    5 Ways to Reduce Your Debt Footprint in 2015

    TORONTO, Dec. 27, 2014 /CNW/ – A new year is around the corner, but Canadians are stuck in the same old debt rut; the desire to pay down a lingering credit burden consistently tops the list of annual resolutions. And it’s no wonder – the amount of debt held by Canadian households steadily grew in…

  • 5 Things you Need to Know when Financing a Franchise Purchase

    5 Things you Need to Know when Financing a Franchise Purchase

    Purchasing a franchise can be a lucrative option for entrepreneurs. Buying into a thriving restaurant or automotive repair chain, for example, offers you instant brand recognition and can deliver an immediate revenue stream thanks to the chain’s client base and accompanying sales and marketing support. That means less time struggling to turn your start‑up into…

  • Town of Turner Valley Launches New Website alongside Facebook and Twitter Pages

    Town of Turner Valley Launches New Website alongside Facebook and Twitter Pages

    The Town of Turner Valley is pleased to announce the launch of its fully-featured website www.turnervalley.ca. The new site has efficiently organized content specific to the needs of residents, business and visitors. It aligns with the recent rebranding project and the Town’s strategic long-term vision for sustainable future growth. turnervalley.ca offers a clean, modern design with easy-to-navigate…

  • 2015 Economic Outlook: Optimism for Entrepreneurs

    2015 Economic Outlook: Optimism for Entrepreneurs

    By Pierre Cléroux, Vice President, Research and Chief Economist The economic news has been quite negative lately. Growth in Europe has been uneven and more modest than expected in 2014. The price of oil and other commodity prices have declined. And some emerging countries are struggling. However, despite these clouds, economic fundamentals are improving, allowing us…