Selected Issues for 2018

Balance the Need to Reduce Methane Emissions While Protecting Jobs and Investment – Provincial

Investment and activity in the oil and gas industry are critical to the economic well-being of employees, businesses, communities and the province. The Government of Alberta has committed to reducing methane emissions from the oil and gas sector by 45 percent by the year 2025. Methane emissions regulations should be implemented in a manner that protects jobs and investment.

Minimize Impacts of Methane Reductions on Northeast Alberta

Investment and activity in the heavy oil sector in Lloydminster and the surrounding area is critical to the economic well-being of employees, businesses, and the community of Lloydminster. The Government of Alberta has committed to reducing methane emissions from the oil and gas sector by 45 percent by the year 2025. Meeting these reduction targets will come at a significant cost to Lloydminster and area in the form of fewer investment opportunities and fewer jobs in Cold Heavy Oil Production with Sand (CHOPS). Therefore, we need to ensure that the methane emissions regulations are implemented in a manner that protects jobs and investment.

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for the City of Lloydminster

Economic development is incredibly important for growth and diversification of the Lloydminster economy. Due to budgetary constraints and restructuring, Lloydminster has not had adequate economic development services since the dissolution of the Lloydminster Economic Development Corporation. At a time when the economy is slower, and budgets are tighter, investment in economic development is even more important to grow and diversify our economy, and to retain and expand existing business.

Dangerous Goods Route Around the Core of Lloydminster

Currently, there is no bylaw or enforcement mechanism in place to ensure that the large truck traffic, and particularly the trucks hauling dangerous goods, are prohibited from driving in the core of the city. This causes serious safety concerns. The large trucks also slow down and back up traffic, especially in the downtown core.

Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain Expansion Project

The Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce supports the Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain Expansion Project.  The project is in the national interest.  It will generate billions in revenue for governments at all three levels and create well-paying jobs.  If it does not proceed, it will also send a strong signal to investors – at home and abroad – at a time when we need to urgently encourage investment.  The Chamber network including the Alberta Chamber, Canadian Chamber and Chambers in BC will continue to advocate for approval of the pipeline.  A coalition of 24 Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade representing the communities where the pipeline has operated safely for 65 years have formed and are calling on the federal government and the government of BC to clear all barriers to getting the Trans Mountain Pipeline built.  The Alberta Chamber has been advocating on this pipeline well before our current situation and passed a policy resolution in May 2017 advocating on the issue.