In her letter, the Premier outlines her expectations that Alberta accelerates technological advances in emissions-reduction strategies and tasks Minister Schulz with:
-
Working collaboratively with the federal government, First Nations and industry to develop and implement an accelerated strategy for oil sands mine water management and tailings pond reclamation.
-
Coordinating with the Minister of Energy and Minerals to implement the Emissions Reduction and Energy Development Plan.
-
Reviewing Alberta’s water management strategy to increase the availability of water and water licences to Alberta municipalities, businesses and agricultural producers while maintaining the highest standards of water conservation and treatment.
-
As lead, and working with the Minister of Energy and Minerals, to develop a plan to improve the current reclamation certificate issuance process and streamline reclamation requirements for new and emerging energy sources.
-
As lead, and working with relevant and impacted ministries, to establish new land-use plans and review existing land-use plans to ensure alignment with government environmental and economic policy.
-
Supporting continued technology and innovation through the Technology, Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) program, including establishing new protocols to develop and trade carbon credits.
-
Conducting an analysis into Alberta’s carbon sink capacity (i.e., forest, fescue, soil, etc.) to establish a true understanding of Alberta’s position in relation to carbon neutrality.
-
Promoting Alberta’s leading-edge regulatory and cumulative effects management systems, including climate and environmental policies for air, land, water, biodiversity and waste.
-
Implementing extended producer responsibility systems and creating a circular economy for plastics development and recycling in Alberta, establishing our province as a North American centre of excellence for plastics diversion and recycling.
-
Working with the Minister of Energy and Minerals, who is lead, to develop and implement a regulatory framework for use of small modular reactor technology.
-
In cooperation with the Minister of Intergovernmental Relations, defending Alberta’s energy interests against federal overreach and developing strategic alliances with other provinces to deal with environment-related issues.
-
Working with the Minister of Energy and Minerals, who is the lead, and the Minister of Justice, to review the mission, policies and operations of the Canadian Energy Centre, and make recommendations to align its work with the government's goals.
-
Working with the Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade, to assist in designing a ministry-specific job-attraction strategy to raise the awareness of young Albertans (aged 16 to 24) and adults changing careers of the skilled trades and professions available in each economic sector, including pathways for education, apprenticeship and training.
“Alberta has so much to offer, from our beautiful landscapes, mountains, rivers, unique wildlife, as well as abundant natural resources. I look forward to continuing our emissions reductions work and protecting our environment while allowing us to continue to lead the country and the world in responsible, safe and sustainable energy production for generations to come.”