Edmonton, Alberta, Wednesday, January 21, 2015 – Members of the media are invited to attend an important announcement with the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, in support of women in skilled trades.
Date: Thursday, January 22, 2015
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location:
Women Building Futures 10326 107 Street NW Edmonton, Alberta
For more information, please contact :
Media only:
Emily Goucher Office of the Minister Western Economic Diversification Canada Telephone: 613-954-8097 Courriel: emily.goucher@wd-deo.gc.ca
Event logistics only:
Plusan Tu Communications Advisor Western Economic Diversification Canada Telephone: 780-495-4156 Email: plusan.tu@wd-deo.gc.ca
Edmonton, Alberta, January 21, 2015 – Members of the media are invited to attend an important announcement with the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, in support of strengthening innovation and commercialization opportunities for Alberta’s life sciences sector.
Date: Thursday, January 22, 2015
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location:
University of Alberta Faculty of Science Centennial Centre for Interdisciplinary Science East Landing, 5th Floor Edmonton, Alberta
For more information, please contact:
Media only:
Emily Goucher Office of the Minister Western Economic Diversification Telephone: 613-954-8097 Email: emily.goucher@wd-deo.gc.ca
Event logistics only:
Plusan Tu Communications Advisor Western Economic Diversification Canada Telephone: 780-495-4165 Email: plusan.tu@wd-deo.gc.ca
Recent Edmonton police chief terrorism comments have been rejected by the RCMP. The comments made were about the oil industry and the city of Fort MacMurray harboring jihadist sympathizers. In a National Post interview with Edmonton Chief Rod Knecht the commander told the media that the northern Alberta region is a common stopping place by Canadians who need money, and these individuals leave the area and join extremists groups in other countries. Knect stated “You can go up to Fort McMurray … you’re relatively anonymous, you’re in one of those work camps and you can make a hockey sack of money in a very, very short period of time. You can make a whole bunch of money in a very short period of time if that’s what you want to do, and you can do it in relative anonymity.”
In response to the terrorism comments from the Edmonton police chief a response was given by RCMP Cpl. Sharon Franks, who said “The Key issue of radicalization is not centred around a location, local economy or other geographic concern. Rather, it lies with identifying those persons, wherever they may choose to live or work, who may be vulnerable to being radicalized for a specific purpose. There is no indication that Fort McMurray is more at risk than any other community in Alberta, or the country for national security concerns. The RCMP is concerned by any terror related activity that is a direct threat to Canada as a country. We take any threat to the security of Canadians and their livelihood very seriously.”
financial transparency, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation
The Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation are prepared to fight a federal law that requires financial transparency, and they could be facing sanctions in federal funding as a result. The ACFN has refused to publish their financial records which have been audited, and these records include the expenses and the salaries of the chief and the council for the group. Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Chief Allan Adam explains “We are transparent with our members. We tell them what our finances and salaries are and if they don’t like what they see, they can tell us or vote us out. This is none of Canada’s business.” The chief continued by stating that the new federal law in question puts the competitiveness of the businesses owned by the band at risk and it views aboriginal governments the same way as it views criminals.
The Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation is not against financial transparency, but the federal law in question requires the band to publish consolidated statements from organizations owned by the band that would expose Acden Group Ltd. financial statements. Chief Adam stated “Everything is tied into the band’s corporation because Acden is tied to the band. This opens up our private business to our competitors, like our bidding wars. That’s bad for business and bad for our community. Now how is this fair?” Other bands of First Nation posted expenses in an online format earlier in the year but Chief Adam did not give a reason at that time why the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation would not do the same.
1. Economy- Many people consider moving to Fort MacMurray because of the booming economy in the area. There are plenty of schools and stores, and the economy is growing at a fantastic rate each month as more people decide to relocate to this area. The municipal services are available although housing costs are somewhat high when compared to similar locations.
2. Available Jobs- A common reason for relocation is employment, and this is something that Fort MacMurray offers in large numbers. There are several large oil corporations that operate in the oilsands, and these companies are frequently looking for qualified employees. The local businesses also run help wanted ads and hire new employees on a regular basis. The job opportunities in the region should continue to grow in the coming months and years.
3. Remote Location- Fort MacMurray is very remotely located, and for a lot of people this is a plus instead of being a drawback. The remoteness adds to the charm of the area and is often preferable to living in large cities and more crowded urban areas.
4. Natural Beauty- The natural beauty of the region is another reason to consider relocation to this area of Alberta. The scenic setting is gorgeous in every season, whether it is snow covered in the winter or full of foliage and flowers in the warmer months.
5. The Community- The Fort MacMurray community is typically warm, welcoming, and close knit. The smaller population makes it easier for neighbors to get to know one another and for residents to recognize newcomers.
The indoor playground at MacDonald Island Park has reopened, and the first few days kids of all ages packed the playground and had a blast. The closure of the indoor playground coincided with the summer months which are not as busy, and the newer version provides a mural that covers the entire length of the room as well as new features and play structures. Regional Recreation Corporation Communications and Advancement manager Adam Hardiman stated “It was renovated and refreshed this summer during a bit of a downtime, and we’re happy that it’s back open. It’s a great step in a young, growing community, and continue to make the improvements that community members want.” The new floor is made from a rubber material that offers bounce and improved safety, and there are a variety of play structures for kids to choose from.
When Hardiman discussed the reopening of the indoor playground at MacDonald Island Park he continued by saying “Not that it wasn’t safe in the beginning, but we’ve actually improved the safety well beyond the standard that’s appropriate,. If there is a slip, trip and a fall — we never want that, but if it does happen — it’s definitely a better environment for it to happen.” Hardiman also told journalists “Let’s face it, we’re a northern city, and that’s why this facility is so important. We’ve got close to 150 births every month, and anyone that’s walked the halls of the Suncor Community Leisure Centre knows it’s a place where you see families. Sometimes we get to talk about the big and shiny things and new announcements … but on a day to day basis, if you’re four, five or six years old, this matters to you and it should matter to your mum and dad.”
