Friday, January 29, 2010

Stelmach signs two groundbreaking agreements in the UAE

Premier Ed Stelmach capped off his mission to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on economic cooperation with the government of Abu Dhabi.

Stelmach signed the agreement with His Excellency Nasser Ahmed Alsowaidi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development. The agreement will set the stage for stronger economic relations between Alberta and Abu Dhabi through closer cooperation in a number of areas, including energy, environmental protection, agriculture, education, technology and innovation.

Earlier in the week, Stelmach was a panellist at the prestigious World Future Energy Summit. The four-day summit is one of the world's leading conferences on responsible energy development and production.
During the summit, Stelmach also signed an MOU on Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) with Masdar - a wholly owned company of the Government of Abu Dhabi.

The agreement commits Alberta and Abu Dhabi to share information on CCS technologies and policies, support projects of mutual interest, and explore opportunities for collaboration between public and private partners in both jurisdictions.

While in Abu Dhabi, Stelmach also met with a number of public and private sector leaders, including Ministers of Energy and Foreign Trade for the UAE, CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, and CEO of Etihad Airways. In addition, the Premier attended the announcement of a new sour gas conference that will alternate yearly between Abu Dhabi and Alberta.

The Government of Alberta has a clear plan for a strong economic recovery. The Way Forward will bring Alberta back into a surplus position in three years by trimming government spending; using cash reserves to protect key programs; continuing to invest in public infrastructure; and ensuring that our province's industries are competitive and continue to attract investment to provide jobs and prosperity.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Accommodations for seniors will be priority for new bonds

The first offering to Albertans investing in the province’s new capital bond initiative will help increase access to accommodations for Alberta’s seniors.

Funds generated through Alberta Capital Bonds will help build accommodations for Alberta’s seniors who require some assistance in daily tasks and decision-making, and will include long-term care and supportive living facilities, lodges or group homes.

The new accommodations for seniors built through capital bond funds are expected to become operational beginning in 2012. Projects will be determined based on priorities across the province. Seniors and Community Supports and Health and Wellness will identify their top priorities and the Alberta Capital Bonds investments will be made in communities with the greatest need.

Alberta Capital Bonds are expected to be available for purchase from financial institutions and investment advisors mid-February 2010. Final details, including interest rates, will be provided closer to the time the bonds are issued.

The Government of Alberta has a clear plan for a strong economic recovery. The Way Forward will bring Alberta back into a surplus position in three years by trimming government spending; using cash reserves to protect key programs; continuing to invest in public infrastructure; and ensuring that our province's industries are competitive and continue to attract investment to provide jobs and prosperity.