Minister Sohi announces funding to support Alberta communities transitioning to a low-carbon economy
News release
Two transition centres will serve seven communities in the Battler River Region
November 16, 2018 – Edmonton, Alberta – Western Economic Diversification Canada
Our government is committed to ensuring the transition to a low-carbon economy is fair for workers and communities in east-central Alberta.
Today, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Mill Woods, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada, announced its first investment of $257,664 through the Canada Coal Transition Initiative (CCTI). Funding will be used to convert two existing office spaces into transition centres that will support entrepreneurship and employment services in the Village of Forestburg and the Town of Castor.
These economic transition centres will provide former coal miners, generating station workers and community members with new employment and business support, training programs and entrepreneurial development services.
The challenge of climate change requires Canada to transition our economy and, in particular, our energy system to one that is low carbon. This is why, in February 2018, our government announced amendments to regulations to phase out traditional coal-fired electricity generation by 2030. At the same time, through Budget 2018, we committed $35 million over five years for skills development and economic diversification to support communities affected by the phase out of coal-fired electricity. Western Economic Diversification Canada and Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency will implement the Canada Coal Transition Initiative. The initiative will support communities and workers in the transition to a low-carbon economy in Alberta, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
"The transition to a low carbon economy is about ensuring we leave our kids with good jobs on a healthy planet. This is why the funding announced today is so important. It will help Albertans develop the skills they need today in order to succeed and have good quality jobs in our transitioning economy."
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada
"We understand a successful transition to the low-carbon economy includes supporting workers and communities. This is why I am so pleased the funding announced today will help establish two transition centres to provide resources and services to residents in seven communities in the Battle River region."
The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Mill Woods
"Canadians know that we need to reduce carbon pollution in order to protect our environment. As we move towards a low-carbon future, the Government of Canada remains committed to supporting the workers and communities that have depended on the coal industry. We are working to ensure these communities have help adjusting to new economic opportunities. The transition centres funded today will provide essential services that help keep Canadians working in good, well-paying jobs. I've also been grateful to work with the Just Transition Task Force, who are providing advice on how to make the transition fair for affected communities. I look forward to reviewing and sharing their final report in the coming months."
Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
"The support of the federal government in seeing this important initiative to support workers and their families adapt to economic change is welcomed by all communities in the region. While many local organizations are working together to address the challenges faced with moving in a new direction, it is extremely helpful to have consideration from higher levels of government that enables us to maintain strong communities and a competitive quality of life."
Battle River Economic Opportunities Committee (BREOC) Chairman George Glazier
Quick facts
Alberta produces approximately 50% of its electricity from coal-fired electric generation.
The Battle River Generating Station is a three-unit, 689 MW facility operated by ATCO Power and is located approximately 20km south of Forestburg. It is serviced by an adjacent mine, the Paintearth Mine, which is operated by Westmoreland Coal Company. Combined, they employ approximately 200 workers.
The Government of Canada helped establish and signed the Powering Past Coal Alliance, which brings together a diverse range of governments, businesses and organizations that are united in taking action to accelerate clean growth and climate protection through the rapid phase-out of unabated coal power.
