AB Pol Econ

Pressure reaching boiling point over Kinder Morgan project

10Apr

By albertarecessionwatchNo Comments

Energy

Pressure reaching boiling point over Kinder Morgan project

Originally posted 10 April 2018 Political agendas- staying in power and getting re-elected Are environmental groups under undue influence of foreign players? Possible Solution - feds exercising its jurisdiction over marine activities? Canada's oil and gas industry and financial community and their media allies have ramped up pressure on politicians in Victoria, Ottawa, and Edmonton to reach a deal. Capital hates regulatory uncertainty and Kinder Morgan's board has finally said "enough is enough." The parent company of Kinder Morgan Canada is based in Texas and its Texas roots have been used to bolster opposition to the pipeline. (more…)

Environmental Liabilities- Regulators and Players

2Apr

By albertarecessionwatchNo Comments

Uncategorized

Environmental Liabilities- Regulators and Players

The above image on the from carbonclick.com Abpolecon.ca apologizes for this omission. Originally posted 2 April 2018 Highlights: Alberta Energy Regulator and Licensee Liability Rating system Roles played Orphan Well Association and Surface Rights Board Nomenclature What are asset retirement obligations? Albertarecessionwatch.com has been examining the scope of reclamation costs faced by the Alberta oil, gas and oil sands industries, and, ultimately, the Alberta government and taxpayers. The Redwater Resources case, Redwater heard by the Supreme Court on 15 February is, arguably, the first salvo in what will be a long drawn out legal affair pitting environmental "interests" (NGOs, some governments, indigenous groups) against other governments, regulators,...

26Mar

By albertarecessionwatchNo Comments

Budget

Budget 2018 Choice of words

Originally posted 26 March 2018 In a very unscientific reading of the budget the following words or phrases were repeated: (more…)

23Mar

By albertarecessionwatchNo Comments

Budget

Budget 2018- Voices under the Dome

Originally posted 23 March 2018 Updated 26 March 2018 After the Finance Minister rises to give the budget address, media outlets and political parties gather around their cameras and party banners to give their reaction to the budget. Under the Rotunda Dome and around the fountain around the large fountain there is a buzz of excitement as the bows and arrows are drawn in this political blood sport. [wpvideo ts69nagH] (more…)

21Mar

By albertarecessionwatchNo Comments

Uncategorized

What to watch for tomorrow….

Originally posted on 21 March 2018 Provincial Finance Minister Joe Ceci brings down his fourth budget. Many, many moving parts Don't expect a lot of new spending or new tax hikes A path to balance by 2023 has been signalled (more…)

Tit for Tat- Affluent Alberta-Canadians face a B.C. tax increase

12Mar

By albertarecessionwatchNo Comments

Energy

Tit for Tat- Affluent Alberta-Canadians face a B.C. tax increase

Originally published 12 March 2018 British Columbia's new speculation tax will hit some affluent Albertans in their wallets (more…)

2Mar

By albertarecessionwatchNo Comments

Budget, Fiscal History, Opinion/Research

And then there were none: Pros and Cons of a Sales Tax

Originally posted 2 March 2018 Economics Society of Northern Alberta hosts debate on sales tax All MLAs invited -but all missing in action Key obstacle is public's perception that governments will just waste the money Will a crisis tilt Alberta to new massive cuts or a sales tax? Are Alberta public sector workers overpaid? Relative to whom? (more…)

2Mar

By albertarecessionwatchNo Comments

Budget

Third Quarter Fiscal Update

Originally published 2 March 2018 Finance Minister Joe Ceci's fiscal update issued on 28 February was more upbeat than previous reports. The headline number was a $1.4 billion reduction in the provincial deficit forecast for the fiscal year ending 31 March 2018. For critics, the government kept the spending floodgates open; for partisans the economy was growing strongly courtesy of the sound steerage of the NDP government. Below we examine some of the details. (more…)

12Feb

By albertarecessionwatchNo Comments

Energy, Opinion/Research, Uncategorized

CAPP’s Position- Analysis and Opinion

Originally posted on 12 February 2018 On Wednesday 7 February, Tim McMillan, president of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) spoke to the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce. The CAPP head spoke optimistically about growing demand for oil and natural gas, based largely on International Energy Agency forecasts. It was a "terrific outlook" with Canada being perceived as a "supplier of choice." But dangers lie ahead, according to the CAPP head. From: The Globe and Mail, Wednesday 7 February 2018 A grainy audio of his talk (with some audience comments) and question and answer is available here. (more…)

10Feb

By albertarecessionwatchNo Comments

Energy

Crazy Time Out West

Originally posted 10 February 2018 Updated 20 March 2018 Legislature debate Not much has happened. More Mayes Edmonton Journal cartoons. Notley lines up her advisory panels including key ministers and deputy ministers. Horgan not saying much. Wine war proceeds to a tribunal Now a truce- court reference for wine New measures to tax out-of-province property aim at wealthy oilpatchers? (more…)