Alberta’s Recovery Plan is working! Several months of major economic investments and job growth are clear signals that our economic recovery is well underway.
One of the most significant developments that has recently occurred is Dow Chemical announcing plans to build the world’s first net-zero carbon emissions ethylene complex right here in Alberta. This multi-billion-dollar project could be the largest private investment in the Alberta economy over the past several decades, and it has the potential to generate countless job opportunities in both the construction and operational phases of its development. By choosing Alberta as the host for this project, Dow Chemical is highlighting Alberta’s growing global leadership in emission-reduction technologies. This will be a key factor in the diversification and continued growth of Alberta’s energy sector, and it is another clear signal that Alberta is once again becoming a top destination for companies to invest their capital.
With Alberta’s economy on the rise, we are now seeing job numbers rebound in all corners of the province. According to Statistics Canada, Alberta has now seen three consecutive months of significant job growth, adding 59,100 jobs since July. Our province has now restored all the jobs lost since the beginning of the pandemic. The return of jobs to Alberta is a critical factor in our economic recovery and clearly shows that our plan is working. Albertans are going back to work and that is great news for our province.
Not only are we seeing activity in our traditional industries like energy, but burgeoning industries like technology and entertainment are on the rise too. HBO’s series The Last of Us – the largest television production in Canadian history – is currently filming at different locations around the province. High River recently received $100,000 in compensation after hosting the film crew. Those funds will be utilized for outstanding projects benefiting the town. This is just one example of the positive economic impacts we’re seeing based on economic recovery efforts made by our government.
This fall, Albertans can expect more job creation and economic growth in our key sectors. As we approach the next sitting of the Legislature, I want you to know that our United Conservative Caucus will remain laser-focused on bringing investment back to our province and getting Albertans back to work.
— Mark Smith, MLA for Drayton Valley – Devon