It is falsely assumed that big projects equal lots of jobs and, by extension, labour peace if not outright satisfaction. The size and scope of the tarsands means for incredibly dangerous work conditions-- some fatalities at the plants have already occurred. The products seldom get their "value added" in union-run locations, instead the heavy bitumen can be shipped to many different locations across North America for refining, denying benefits to the union. However, the Union does not represent the "guest worker", now being imported in increasing numbers as legislation is changed to make access easier, the term of exploitation last longer, without any new efforts or pathways to deciding to stay after helping tear up the earth.
Effect of royalty rates not so painful
In recent quarterly reports, energy firms say higher rates won't pinch profits so hard
NORVAL SCOTT
With files from Reuters
November 10, 2007
CALGARY -- A swath of energy companies said this week that the impact of Alberta's increased royalty charges won't be as significant as some in the oil patch had initially feared.
New York Times
November 9, 2007
Rising Demand for Oil Provokes New Energy Crisis
By JAD MOUAWAD
With oil prices approaching the symbolic threshold of $100 a barrel, the world is headed toward its third energy shock in a generation. But today’s surge is fundamentally different from the previous oil crises, with broad and longer-lasting global implications.
Just as in the energy crises of the 1970s and ’80s, today’s high prices are causing anxiety and pain for consumers, and igniting wider fears about the impact on the economy.
A look at Alberta's new housing plan
Martin Lussier
Gauntlet News
November 08, 2007
Rental vacancies have been lower than 0.5 per cent in Calgary.
Premier Ed Stelmach announced the government would be undertaking a 10-year plan to address homelessness in communities across Alberta last week. This announcement couldn't come at a better time for some, as the 2006 Homeless Count of Calgary identified over 3,400 people without homes. Stelmach pledged to build 11,000 affordable homes over the next ten years, 4,000 of which are to be built in Calgary.
Wed, November 7, 2007
Report tackles sex trade
Edmonton Sun
By FRANK LANDRY, CITY HALL BUREAU
Prostitution is a growing problem in Edmonton, fuelled by the city's red-hot economy.
That's among the findings of a new report commissioned to address the problem.
The document calls for "safe housing" for active prostitutes and for those getting out of the sex trade. It also calls for tougher penalties for johns.
Poor public image has cost oilpatch billions
'We have to regain out voice:' Producers group
Claudia Cattaneo, Financial Post
Published: Wednesday, November 07, 2007
The general view of the oil sector -- some of it showing up in its own opinion polls -- is that it's greedy, crooked, environmentally and socially irresponsible, unneeded and, technologically, a dinosaur.
Yet the industry can sincerely assert that it is generous, environmentally and socially responsible, honest, essential and smart.
Prentice: We need to 'demystify' the SPP
Jim Prentice, the federal Industry Minister, says governments and business leaders in North America must do a better job of selling the virtues of closer economic and security links among the three countries.
In a speech Tuesday to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, he said there is an urgent need to "demystify" the push to closer ties among Canada, the United States and Mexico, as outlined in the Security and Prosperity Partnership launched in March of 2005.
November 4, 2007
Cold (click on the image to view)
by Katie Beaton
The Dominion - http://www.dominionpaper.ca
Fort Mac braces for huge rent hikes
Three-bedroom place with leaky roof costs $2,950
By The Canadian Press
Sun. Nov 4 - 6:44 AM
FORT MCMURRAY, Alta. — Some apartment dwellers in northern Alberta’s booming oilsands were shocked this week to find notices posted on their doors warning of impending rent hikes exceeding $1,000 a month.
Management at River Park Glen told tenants the increases would become effective Feb. 1.
Rent crunch to worsen
Vacancy rate forecasted to dip to under 1%
By KEVIN CRUSH, SUN MEDIA
Think the rental market is tight now? Just wait until next year.
That's when the apartment vacancy rate in Edmonton is forecasted to dip below the current 1% - making it that much harder for already frustrated renters to find a place to live.
"It's just getting retarded," said Jasmine, who asked her last name not be printed.
SIX MONTHS LOOKING
Jasmine said she's already spent more than six months trying to find a decent place for her and her fiance to rent with no luck.
Keystone pipeline demand doubles cost
Wed, October 31, 2007
By FREE PRESS NEWS SERVICES
CALGARY -- TransCanada Corp. has more than doubled the estimated cost of its Keystone crude oil pipeline to US$5.2 billion to meet rising demand for the Canada-U.S. project, the company said yesterday while reporting higher third-quarter earnings.
