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Let’s Pull Together for Prosperity’s Sake
BY CODY BATTERSHILL
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There’s been so much debate lately, given the recent election cycle, that it might be time for a quick reminder about what’s important to the future prosperity of Canadian families.
When it’s all said and done, Canada’s natural resources support workers, families, communities and governments right across the nation. And as a consequence of Canada’s tough environmental regulations both federally and provincially, trade in Canada’s natural resources also supports the global environment when compared to other supplier nations.
Let’s take oil and gas, with its $500 billion generated for governments Canada-wide since 2000.
With global energy demand increasing steadily – including for oil and gas – and with several West Coast Indigenous communities advancing LNG projects with the goal of getting Canada’s lowest-emission LNG to global consumers, the importance of Canada’s oil and gas future can’t be overstated.
But it’s not just oil and gas that Canadians can be proud of. In 2016, Canada was the seventh top producer of renewable energy worldwide. In fact, in the 10 years leading to 2018, more wind power capacity was built in Canada than any other form of generation, with capacity growing at a rate of 20 per cent annually.
In terms of emissions-free nuclear power, Canada is the second largest producer and exporter of uranium in the world, with 22 per cent of global production in 2017.
Canada was also the third largest producer of primary aluminum, with more than five per cent of world production in 2017, produced to the highest environmental standards with low-emissions energy.
But let’s not overlook Canadian agriculture. We’re the sixthlargest global exporter of beef, accounting for 4.6 per cent of the world’s exports in 2018. And we produce more canola than any other country, contributing some $26 billion to the Canadian economy annually.
We’re the number one producer of lentils and dry peas, with pulses sent to over 120 countries in 2018. And we’re also the second largest producer and exporter of softwood lumber, at more than $10 billion in exports in 2017.
From pork (we’re the third largest producer in the world) to farmed and wild fish (we exported $6.9 billion in fish and seafood products to 139 countries in 2018) to wheat and other grains, our products and our environmental, safety and human rights reputation are envied around the planet.
We excel in environmental, social and governance (ESG) metrics, all in a way that puts food on the tables of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians from Tofino, B.C. to St. John’s, Newfoundland.
It’s a record we can all be fiercely proud of. And that’s why we continue to encourage Canadians to work together to take action in support of our vital natural resource sectors and the communities and families they support.
My bottom line is this: When Canadians pull in the same constructive direction, great things happen.
State of the art dealerships set to open on the Tsuut’ina Nation in 2022
Taza Park, one of three major developments on the Tsuut’ina Nation, introduced its two anchor tenants during a special ground breaking ceremony in late August.
Big 4 Motors (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep Ram) and Metro Ford are both relocating from their long-established Calgary locations to new state-of-the-art dealerships in Taza Park. Both dealerships are excited to be moving forward together in this step towards reconciliation and economic prosperity for the Nation.
Taza Park, located near the Grey Eagle Casino, encompasses 530 acres with a planned dynamic mixed-use community of retail, office and residential, including recreation and entertainment destinations.
“We are excited to have two great dealerships as our first anchor tenants at Taza Park,” says Bryce Starlight, vice president of development at Taza. “Metro Ford and Big Four Motors have been working diligently with the Nation to incorporate Tsuut’ina history and culture into each of their properties, setting a new standard for the Taza tenant and Nation relationship.”
Big 4 Motors, which is part of the Wood Automotive Group, is Calgary’s original Jeep store, and has been working out of its cramped quarters on MacLeod Trail for more than 40 years. The new 62,000 square-foot dealership will boast a 12car showroom and 35 service and detailing bays. It will also feature three drive-in customer service lanes for speedy and convenient drop-off.
“We feel honoured, privileged and excited about our new dealership at Taza Park,” says Gerry Wood, president of Wood Automotive Group. “We’re honoured to be working with the Tsuut’ina Nation and people, privileged that we are one of the first developments and anchor tenants at Taza Park on the Tsuut’ina Nation, and we are excited about the opportunities to welcome customers old and new and generate business, employment and economic activity for the community.”
The new Metro Ford at Taza Park will be a 75,000-square-foot facility located on eight acres and the first with Ford’s Signature Design. Ford vehicle owners will enjoy a vastly improved service experience with an ultra-modern repair facility, expanded checkin area and comfortable customer lounge.
“We are truly honoured to be relocating Metro Ford Sales LTD to Taza Park in December 2022,” says Reg Pattemore, president of Metro Ford. “I look forward to walking together, dreaming together and prospering together in the future. This partnership has been years in the making and we are thrilled to be the anchor tenant of Taza Park.”
Both Metro Ford and Big 4 Motors will incorporate Tsuut’ina art and culture in their design and feature technology that reduces energy and water use and greenhouse gas emissions.
Construction on both dealerships is now underway with planned completion in mid to late 2022.
ABOVE: TSUUT’INA NATION DANCERS AND DRUMMERS PERFORM AT THE BIG 4 MOTORS AND METRO FORD GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY AT TAZA PARK ON THE TSUUT’INA NATION.
