Net-Zero: Canada’s Vow

BY CATHERINE BROWNLEE, PRESIDENT OF ALBERTA ENTERPRISE GROUP (AEG), CALGARY AND EDMONTON CHAPTERS

“We are on a highway to climate hell with our foot still on the accelerator,” said Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, in his opening remarks at the COP27 summit in Sharm ElSheikh, Egypt.

I neither contest the urgency that was ignited in 2015 when the historic Paris Agreement was adopted at COP21, nor deny how this urgent matter must maintain the spotlight. It remains the demand for all leaders of economies, me included, to rise up, promote, deliver and defend the methodologies that are most properly suited to our cultures, our resources, our people ... our globe.

What I will contest is how the agendas of economic powerhouses are taking precedence, controlling the alignment of policies, ideas, investment programs – the very wake of which is creating adversity and devastation. As leaders of our own countries, territories and industries, we are the ones who know how best to serve and preserve our landscape. We are the ones who have grown up with the challenges, faced them and altered them. For me, a native Albertan, with much of my life being in the agriculture, environment and energy industries and as the current president of Alberta Enterprise Group, it is imperative that the voice of our organization be spoken loudly, proudly and concisely.

AEG represents a broad swath of the provincial economy with members ranging from Syncrude to the Oilers Entertainment Group. It also includes organizations from health care, agriculture, transportation, construction, energy, law and finance. AEG sees itself as “Alberta’s most influential business organization.” Guilting and shaming is not effective and the costs of subscribing to blanket energy efficient programs (such as Bill C-235) detracts gravely from the end goal. To those of us leaders, corporations and enterprises already in alignment, this is shockingly offensive commentary.

After writing a two-page letter to Justin Trudeau, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith met face-to-face with Deputy PM Krista Freeland in Calgary, where Smith recommended the feds eliminate the federal carbon tax and temporarily pause the federal fuel tax in an effort to address how the majority of citizens are struggling to afford life’s basic needs. Freeland was unwilling to budge on this point and referred to Preston Manning’s initiation of the carbon tax: “It’s one of the most economically effective mechanisms for taking climate action,” she said, “… (he) saw that, and I think he is right, as one of the most economically effective mechanisms for taking climate action. I agree with that view and that’s why our government is moving forward.” (source: National Post)

Undaunted by Freeland, Premier Smith intends to initiate an Alberta Sovereignty Act as one of her first orders of business once legislature resumes, which would grant Alberta refusal of federal laws and court rulings under the premise they do not align or adhere to the best interests of “duly delegated spheres of influence under the Constitution.”

To this, Freeland politely responded, “We will look forward to working with the province of Alberta and we will look closely at any legislation the new premier tables and respond to it when we have something in writing to respond to.”

ALBERTA ENTERPRISE GROUP (AEG) PUTS ALBERTA BUSINESSES FIRST BY SHARING INFORMATION, ADVOCACY AND BUILDING BRIDGES TO NEW MARKETS. AEG MEMBERS ARE BUSINESS OWNERS, SENIOR EXECUTIVES, INVESTORS AND ENTREPRENEURS REPRESENTING FIRMS IN EVERY MAJOR ALBERTA INDUSTRY. AEG MEMBERS EMPLOY

San Francisco – Faster

Air Canada’s Direct Flights to San Francisco Open Up a World of Opportunities

Air Canada’s daily non-stop flights from Edmonton to San Francisco are the perfect solution for business or leisure travel – and for a world of opportunities. As the post-COVID landscape continues to see vacations return and cross-border business networks flourish, these non-stop flights are all about making the right connections.

Edmonton entrepreneurs looking to support their tech-focused interests with research, investors and collaborations can fly in comfort to Silicon Valley, thanks to Air Canada’s non-stop flights.

“People, before, used to start an oilfield service company. Now, in Alberta, so many [entrepreneurs] are starting up a technology company,” Doug Schweitzer, Alberta Technology and Innovation Strategy, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation, said in a press conference earlier this year. and is in a prime position to scale up its North American footprint. In fact, Alberta holds the second most private equity firms in Canada. Working with and learning from the tech giants of Silicon Valley is an important part of this growth. Air Canada’s non-stop flights mean networking on this level does not unduly impact start-ups’ bottom lines – or schedules.

However, tech is not the only industry changing the Alberta’s business landscape. The artisanal and cottage wine industry continues to expand. Fruit wine and meads are emerging in growing numbers from Alberta. Again, locals can look to – and fly to – California for inspiration and business opportunities.

While the wine industry in Alberta is fairly recent in its inception and growth, the industry in California is world renowned with literal roots going back to 1769, when the first vineyards were planted. Alberta is unique in its offerings, thanks to our seasonal berries and climate, but the fundamentals of

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winemaking have not changed for centuries. The ability to fly directly to the heart of American’s wine country and learn from the best, while also sampling an incredible variety of vintages, helps grow our province’s burgeoning brands.

Aside from collaborative business ventures of all kinds, San Francisco is a major tourist destination. Whether you are a business owner looking to relax and unwind or a family looking for an affordable vacation, Air Canada’s non-stop flights to San Francisco are the solution. Simply fly, land, unpack and start your adventure – your way. This is one city that truly has it all.

Like history and architecture? Major attractions include the historic Alcatraz, stunning views from Pier 39, the Golden Gate Bridge (one of the seven wonders of the modern world) and the worldfamous San Francisco Zoo & Gardens.

Those looking for a cultural experience are sure to find it in San Francisco; it remains one of America’s cities with the highest number of artists and arts organizations per capita. Cultural tourism is a $1 billion+ industry, with the Civic Center, War Memorial and Performing Arts Center leading the way. Here is also the home of SFMOMA (San Francisco Museum of Modern Art), America’s largest modern contemporary art museum.

Those looking for a quieter tourist experience have plenty of options. There are hiking trails for all skill levels and miles of beautiful beaches. In the Bay Area alone, there are 46 golf courses, including the historical Burlingame Country Club, which opened in 1893.

The food scene in San Francisco is legendary; one-ofa-kind favourites, like Joe’s Special, Hometown Fry and It’s It, originated here. About 40 per cent of tourists cite restaurants as a driving reason for their trip. Experience all this – and more – in a place where the weather is warm, comfortable and inviting year-round. Your time in San Francisco will be memorable, whether you head out for work or pleasure and Air Canada makes getting there an exciting part of the journey.

The Air Canada’s San Francisco – Faster experience has you travelling in comfort and style. Flying non-stop instead of choosing a connection means arrival in just three hours. The CRJ-900 jet used for the non-stop flight features larger incline seats, extra legroom and adjustable headrests in Business Class. Those choosing Business Class also receive complimentary headphones, upgraded snacks and a delicious meal. Both Business Class passengers and Aeroplan Elite members also have lounge access in the San Francisco airport.

When more people choose non-stop flights, Air Canada responds with further route development. In addition to the airline’s own expansions of direct routes, Air Canada encourages others to add non-stop destinations and support the industry in continuing to open up the world.

Whether you are looking to grow a business, learn from an established industry or travel somewhere warm for leisure and pleasure, Air Canada’s San Francisco – Faster route is worth checking out. It’s the solution for the opportunities you have been seeking. Embark on your adventure today.