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Federal
On May 31, CanGEA submitted a formal proposal to the ministries of Finance, Agriculture and Environment in response to Bill C-234 which extends carbon tax exemptions to commercial greenhouses, heated livestock barns and crop drying. CanGEA proposed that the government instead support a switch from fossil-fuel-heating to geothermally heated agricultural practices where geothermal resources exist. CanGEA has also connected with federal and provincial greenhouse and agricultural associations to discuss this initiative and potential strategies to collaborate in advancing our joint interests. Policy-level members may view the submission here. Alberta
Alberta’s provincial election took place on May 29, resulting in a United Conservative Party (UCP) majority government. The UCP lost 14 seats (currently unofficial) to Alberta’s New Democratic Party (NDP), and Calgary proved to be a hard-fought battleground with a virtually even UCP/NDP split and narrow margins in several key constituencies. Keep in mind that many of these have been “won” by less than a few hundred votes, and the results are not yet official until recounts have been conducted. Over the course of the campaign, CanGEA closely monitored the election platforms and media feeds of both parties. CanGEA also reached out to individuals in both parties, seeking clarifications and recommitments to the geothermal industry. Although the UCP has been slightly less enthusiastic about geothermal than the NDP, both parties have generally supported the geothermal industry and promoted its growth in recent years. The 2020 Geothermal Development Act was a gain for us, and the UCP Government’s more recent (2023) Alberta emissions reduction and energy development plan does highlight past geothermal accomplishments and funding. CanGEA remains optimistic about overall growing public and government support for our industry and our ability to continue working with both political wings to expand initiatives and incentives for geothermal development. Regardless of who is in government, CanGEA will continue to advocate for you in seeking collaborative progress with government, industry counterparts, stakeholders, and investors.  London Hillyer is Master of Management student at Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary, and he is very excited to join the policy team at CanGEA to advocate for geothermal energy development across Canada.
Having worked on several political campaigns over the years as a consultant, Mr. Hillyer is no stranger to advocacy and driving a message. He also has public service experience across federal and provincial offices. London and his wife, Musfirah, love animals and trying new foods; they hope to have a dog one day and perhaps even a baby – or two. London enjoys playing chess, beer-league ice hockey, and listening to podcasts on a vast array of subjects including geopolitics, mythology, natural health and ancient history. Women in Geothermal (WING) has opened their Core Values Awards nominations. To nominate someone in the geothermal industry, you must explain, in 500 words or less, how they best represent one of the 4 WING Core Values: Caring, Open, Empowering, and Courageous. Submissions will be accepted from May 1-31, 2023, and the awards will be presented at the 2023 Geothermal Rising Conference.
Learn more and cast your nomination here. |
