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Alberta

Business, not as usual

Published

5 years ago

5 minute read

Business, not as usual.  Employer support of reservists in time of pandemic.

Submitted by: Canadian Forces Liaison Council/Alberta Chapter

In this challenging time of pandemic, it’s probably safe to say that business will not carry on as usual. Employers have much to be concerned about – employees’ health and welfare, revenue, and simply put – survival.

In many cases employers have reservist-employees who balance double duty with both the Reserve Force and their workplace. Reservists are prepared willing and able to answer the call to support pandemic response or other emergencies, either nationally or locally.

Preparations for pandemic support across Canada are underway, and this includes many reservists, army, navy, air force alike, who have been asked to mobilize. It is with thanks to many employers who support their reservist-employee as they volunteer for Operation LASER 20-01 – the Canadian Armed Forces’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic within Canada.

The Government of Canada has authorized reservists, who volunteer, to be placed on full-time Class C service to support the Operation. The Canadian Armed Forces is currently mobilizing 24,000 service members, both regular and reserve, to support provincial and municipal governments and agencies in their efforts to suppress the disease, to support vulnerable populations, and to provide logistical and general support to communities. In Alberta, there will be hundreds of reservists who will choose to deploy and serve to support our communities.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Canadians has been unprecedented, as is the scale of the Canadian Armed Forces mobilization under the Operation LASER response. Reservists’ dedication to duty in volunteering for Operation LASER is essential to support both provincial and municipal authorities during this crisis. Canada cannot meet its defence needs at home and abroad without the dedicated, motivated and highly skilled people who work tirelessly to defend Canada and promote Canadian values and interests. Op LASER is the immediate need, but reservists have been and will continue to be needed to support other domestic crisis, such as floods and fires, which are occurring on a more frequent basis.

In Alberta, Employment Standards Code, outlines a reservist-employee who has completed at least 26 consecutive weeks of employment with an employer is entitled to reservist leave without pay to take part in deployment to a Canadian Forces operation inside Canada. It also outlines that all leave provided to Reservists is leave without pay – as the Canadian Armed Forces will provide the Reservist with income for the duration of their contract. It’s good business sense to keep good employees and the employment code notes that employers cannot terminate, or lay off, an employee who has started reservist leave.  Although these are the legislated minimums, organizations are encouraged to develop and implement military leave policies that support a reservist-employee even further.

There is great pride for reservists as they deploy domestically and equally for the employers who support them. Undoubtedly, business will not be as usual and if you have a reservist-employee there is support available for your organization. Employer support during this time of crisis is greatly appreciated by the Canadian Armed Forces and the Government of Canada. Indeed, when you employ a reservist, you in turn, are serving your country.

How can I find out more information for my business?
• Federal Compensation for Employers of Reservists Program (CERP) – Employers can apply and eligible applicants will receive a lump sum payment, in the form of a grant, following the deployment period of the reservist employee.

  • Military Leave Policy information – if your organization does not already have a formal military leave policy, this may be a good opportunity to implement one that provides additional detail beyond what is in the job protection legislation.
  • Canadian Forces Liaison Council – Employers Supporting Reservists

Info for military leave policies and federal support (CERP): https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/benefits-military/supporting-reservists-employers.html

  • With Glowing Hearts – Reservist Support Program – a turnkey employer support program for reservists. The program provides information and tools for employers of reservists and is an asset for a business to attract and retain experienced and valued reservist/employees.

Info and/or to Register: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WithGlowingHearts

originally published April 9, 2020.

Read more on Todayville Edmonton.

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President Todayville Inc., Honorary Colonel 41 Signal Regiment, Board Member Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Award Foundation, Director Canadian Forces Liaison Council (Alberta) musician, photographer, former VP/GM CTV Edmonton.

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Alberta

Highway twinning from Sylvan Lake to Rocky Mountain House among dozens of infrastructure projects beginning in Alberta

Published on March 14, 2025

By

Alberta’s government is investing in roads, bridges, and water infrastructure to strengthen the economy and meet the needs of the province’s growing population.

As Alberta’s population continues to grow so does the need for safe, reliable and effective infrastructure to support communities across the province, attract investment and boost economic development. Maintaining and expanding the provincial road and bridge network is vital for growing communities and expanding market access for local industry.

If passed, Budget 2025 would invest more than $8.5 billion for the Ministry of Transportation and Economic Corridors’ three-year Capital Plan, a $333.7-million increase compared with Budget 2024. This total includes more than $4 billion over three years for transportation infrastructure projects to benefit rural communities across the province, as well as $2.1 billion over three years for projects in the Calgary region, and $2 billion for projects in the Edmonton region.

“We are investing in the transportation and water infrastructure our communities need to address rapid growth, promote economic development and support a high quality of life. These investments help ensure our province remains the best place in Canada to live, work and raise a family.”

Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors

The total capital investment in this year’s budget includes $2.6 billion for planning, design and construction of major highway and bridge projects. This work will create thousands of jobs across Alberta, improve traffic flow, and support the development of major trade corridors through projects such as twinning Highway 3 and Highway 11, and major improvements to Deerfoot Trail and Highway 881. Capital investment funding also includes more than $186 million over three years for more than 50 engineering projects to address future infrastructure needs as the province continues to grow.

“These investments in Calgary’s roads and bridges are critical to supporting our growing city. Improved infrastructure means safer commutes, better connections for businesses and a stronger foundation for future growth.”

Myles McDougall, MLA, Calgary-Fish Creek

If passed, Budget 2025 would also include a $1.7-billion investment over three years for capital maintenance and renewal, which extends the life of the province’s existing road and bridge network, keeping the highway network safe and helping industry create and maintain well-paying jobs.

“Building and fixing roads and bridges improves the productivity of Alberta’s economy. Budget 2025 continues investing in critical infrastructure using local materials and labour. The ARHCA applauds Alberta’s leadership and commitment to all modes of trade-enabling transportation.”

Ron Glen, CEO, Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association

In addition to improving and maintaining the provincial highway network, Alberta’s government has allocated $3.9 billion for capital grants to municipalities over the next three years. This includes funding for LRT projects in Edmonton and Calgary, as well as $5 million in new funding to support planning work for a new transit solution connecting the Calgary airport terminal with the future Blue Line LRT extension station.

“Investing in infrastructure is critical to establishing a solid foundation for economic growth, sustainability and thriving communities. As our population continues to grow, we must make smart investments in roads, bridges, water and transportation infrastructure to ensure our communities and businesses remain vibrant, connected and ready for the future.”

Deborah Yedlin, president and CEO, Calgary Chamber of Commerce

If passed, targeted investments in Budget 2025 would also support the growth and prosperity of rural communities by providing $126.8 million over three years to municipalities through the Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program. This program helps smaller municipalities improve critical local transportation infrastructure.

Additionally, ongoing capital grants totalling $519.7 million over three years in water and wastewater infrastructure will ensure Albertans in every community have reliable access to clean drinking water and effective wastewater services.

Finally, Budget 2025 would provide $240.1 million to build and repair water management infrastructure, including dams, spillways, canals and control structures. This investment provides irrigation for the agriculture sector and flood mitigation for Alberta communities.

Budget 2025 is meeting the challenge faced by Alberta with continued investments in education and health, lower taxes for families and a focus on the economy.

Quick Facts

Regional Highlights

North region

  • Budget 2025, if passed, invests $1.25 billion over three years in road and bridge construction projects to benefit the North region, including:
    • $101 million for Highway 63 twinning, north of Fort McMurray
    • $141 million for Highway 881 safety and road improvements
    • $87 million for construction of the La Crete bridge
    • $69 million for Highway 40 grade widening between Hinton and Grande Cache
    • $7 million for the La Loche Connector road – extending Highway 956 from La Loche, Saskatchewan to Fort McMurray
    • $4 million for twinning Highway 40 south of Grande Prairie
    • $127.5 million for Highway 60 Capital Improvements

Central region

  • Budget 2025, if passed, invests $1.4 billion over three years in road and bridge construction projects to benefit the Central region, including:
    • $208 million for Highway 11 twinning between Sylvan Lake and Rocky Mountain House
    • $98 million for the Vinca Bridge replacement on Highway 38 (near Redwater) as part of work to enhance the high-load corridor

South region

  • Budget 2025, if passed, invests $363 million over three years in road and bridge construction projects to benefit the South region, including:
    • $106 million for Highway 3 twinning (between Taber and east of Burdett)
    • $92 million for the Highway 2 Balzac Interchange Replacement
    • $24 million for the Highway 1A upgrade (Stoney First Nation)
    • $9 million for the QEII Highway and 40th Avenue interchange ramp (near Airdrie)

Calgary

  • Budget 2025, if passed, invests $2.1 billion over three years in road and bridge construction projects, and municipal grants to benefit the Calgary region, including:
    • $173.1 million for the Calgary Rivers District and Event Centre
    • $484.8 million for Deerfoot Trail upgrades
    • $62.4 million for the Springbank Off-stream Reservoir (SR1) project
    • $11.9 million for the Bow River Reservoir (Ghost Reservoir Infrastructure Project)
    • $100 million for the Calgary Ring Road (West Stoney Trail)
    • $8 million for the completion of the Highway 201 Bow River Bridge on the southeast Stoney Trail
    • $26.5 million for the completion of the Stoney Trail and Airport Trail interchange

Edmonton

  • Budget 2025, if passed, invests $2 billion over three years in road and bridge construction projects to benefit the Edmonton region, including:
    • $31.9 million for the Ray Gibbon Drive expansion
    • $31 million for the Terwillegar Drive widening from Rabbit Hill Road to Windermere Boulevard
    • $52.7 million for the Terwillegar Drive Expansion improvements to the interchange at SW Anthony Henday Drive.
    • $20.3 million for Highway 16A and Range Road 20 Safety Improvements
    • $17.2 million for Highway 19 twinning
    • $40.2 million for the Highway 2 and 65 Avenue Interchange in Leduc
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Alberta

Alberta power outages and higher costs on the way with new federal electricity regulations, AESO says

Published on March 14, 2025

By

From the Canadian Energy Centre

By Cody Ciona

Clean Electricity Regulations put Alberta grid at risk for ‘minimal emissions reductions’

Alberta is at risk of power outages by the mid-2030s as a result of the federal government’s Clean Electricity Regulations (CER), says a new report by the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO).

The AESO’s analysis found the new regulations, which came into effect on January 1, will make the province’s electricity system more than 100 times less reliable by 2038.

Alberta has already reduced emissions from electricity production by 59 per cent since 2005 without the CER, according to the federal government’s national emissions reporting.

The finalized CER in December 2024 pushed out the federal government’s target of a net zero power grid from 2035 to 2050, but the AESO said the costs of the regulation continue to outweigh its minimal environmental benefit.

The CER essentially mandates the rapid and widespread adoption of technologies that remain under development or have not been commercially tested in Alberta, the AESO said.

This includes nuclear, large-scale hydroelectric generation, natural gas generation with carbon capture and storage, and hydrogen generation.

Due to restrictions on natural gas generation, the AESO forecasts an additional $30 billion in capital and operational costs between now and 2049.

The regulations will have high costs for Albertans, increasing wholesale electricity prices by 35 per cent above what they otherwise would be, the AESO said.

Along with potential reliability and affordability issues, the regulations will result in less than one million tonnes of emissions reduced annually, according to AESO.

“The significant cost that the CER will impose on Alberta’s electricity system for minimal emissions reductions means the regulation is inefficient and ineffective,” the AESO said.

“The threat to reliability resulting from the CER means that the regulation puts Alberta’s electricity grid at significant risk for little to no benefit.”

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