A realistic view of clean energy Tracking our food sources

By Damien C. Kurek, MP, Battle River-Crowfoot

Canadian oil and gas companies have displayed immense leadership in addressing environmental issues and have consistently grown the economy. This is something to be proud of, not something to hide. For example, if the rest of the world followed Canada’s standards for flaring, total GHG emissions from every barrel produced would drop by 23 per cent. Between 2000-18, the emission intensity of Canada’s oil sands operations decreased by 36 per cent due to technological and efficiency improvements, fewer venting emissions and changes in the percentage of bitumen being upgraded to synthetic crude oil.

Oil and gas operations are more efficient and have been progressing for years because it is in the best interest of Canada, the environment, and their business to do so. In fact, 75 per cent of investment in clean technology comes from the oil and natural gas industry.

When talking about clean tech, solar and wind projects have been at the forefront of the conversation. On July 11, the minister of Natural Resources, Jonathan Wilkinson, visited Battle River— Crowfoot to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 25 MW Michichi solar project in Starland County. Minister Wilkinson announced over $160 million in federal investments for nine Alberta-based solar power projects. While I always support this region getting its fair share, Alberta doesn’t want a handout… we want Ottawa to get out of the way of development. It’s also disappointing that local concerns regarding these projects were not addressed. Once again, it’s just another photo-op with no recognition of how damaging Liberal policies are.

To ensure that our economy is sustainable and prosperous, we must remain energy agnostic, meaning that we take a pragmatic approach that isn’t influenced by extreme ideologues or special interest groups. It’s laughable that the political left complains about energy prices when many of the factors that have driven up the cost of energy are directly related to the decisions of left-leaning governments.

Given the large investments made by Canadian oil and gas in clean tech and that the economic benefits are incredible from the oil and gas industry, the Liberal government must get out of the way of a province’s resource development and remove the hurdles in developing energy of all kinds.

How we move forward as a nation hinges on leadership and the government’s ability to take meaningful action on the issues that impact Canadians. This is why I advocate each day for government transparency and the need for common-sense Conservative solutions.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this column, you are encouraged to write Damien at 4945-50th Street, Camrose, Alberta, T4V 1P9, call 780-608-4600, text 403-5755625, or e-mail damien.kurek@parl.gc.ca. You can also stay up to date with Damien by following him on social media @dckurek. If you are in need of assistance regarding a federal government program, or need assistance and don’t know where to turn, feel free to reach out to MP Kurek’s office.

By Lori Larsen

Friends of the Battle River Railway are offering an excursion that pays tribute to the people dedicated to making sure we are fed–farmers.

On Saturday, August 19 hop on board the train for the Explore Farm to Fork excursion and travel in the beautifully restored train departing Kelsey at 1 p.m. for Forestburg.

You will be greeted by one of the many volunteers of Friends of the Battle River Railway, dressed in period costume, including conductor Ken Eshpeter, with his smooth booming voice and broad smile, happy to be welcoming you on board.

As the train travels down the rails to its destination, passengers will feel the rumble beneath their feet and the gentle sway of the train as they take in the beautiful scenery, including the vibrant yellow canola fields and pastures of deep green grass.

Along the way the train will be making stops to visit with local farmers giving passengers an opportunity to learn more about the crops raised and the methods used to provide food for their tables.

The onboard naturalist will also be talking about local wildlife, birds and flora as passengers enjoy locally grown snacks and beverages in the open-air gondola train car.

Upon arrival at the Village of Forestburg passengers will deboard and have time to stroll around the quaint Village of Forestburg, which may include taking in the magnificent heritage grain elevator.

Historians will also delight in a visit to the Forestburg and District museum where they can learn more about the rich homesteading and agricultural history of the area.

A visit down the main street will take a person back in time with its store front facades and shops that have a little bit of everything.

At 5 p.m. passengers will be treated to a locally sourced and served full course meal at the Station in Forestburg.

Passengers will then reboard at 6 p.m. and head back to Kelsey arriving at approximately 7:30 p.m.

Friends of Battle River Railway (FBRR) is a notfor-profit organization with a mission to provide unique railway experiences that highlight the important role rail played in the development and sustainability of communities throughout central Alberta.

Operated entirely by volunteers from the offset of planning and organizing to providing an incredible and welcoming experience for passengers on board one of the excursions Friends of Battle River Railway offers, to the clean up afterwards. Each excursion offers passengers a glimpse back in time, transporting them to an era where travel by train was a vital mode of transportation, visiting some of the many communities that continue to be important parts of the makeup of rural Alberta.

For more information on Friend of the Battle River Railway visit the website at www.battlerivertrain.com.