The events listed below are not necessarily endorsed by Alberta Acts. To inquire about promoting a climate-change-related event in Alberta, please contact us.
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On September 23 & 24, 2010, over 30 people representing a range of interests gathered in Red Deer to discuss strategy and membership for an Alberta Green Energy Alliance. A feed-in-tariff (FIT) with a specific focus on rural communities was the centrepiece of the conversation.
The prospect of a Green Energy Act to reduce Alberta's reliance on coal and better utilizing our renewable resources provides the foundation for launching the Alberta Green Energy Alliance.
Purpose
Develop core membership and preliminary strategy for the Alberta Green Energy Alliance
The Alberta Green Energy Alliance would offer the provincial government the political license to create an Alberta Green Energy Act. The Act would help diversify and green Alberta's economy and would support individuals, communities and companies in generating electricity from low-impact, renewable sources.
During the meeting we focused on a community feed-in-tariff as the critical component of a Green Energy Act.
Objectives
- Gather representatives from key constituents which would advance an Alberta Green Energy Strategy
- Explore key strategies for success employed in Ontario, Nova Scotia, and other jurisdictions which have established progressive renewable energy policies
- Identify draft list of short term and long term policy goals with the highest possibility of implementation and impact in the Alberta political context
- Develop preliminary strategy for the Alberta Green Energy Alliance including additional membership, preliminary communication structure, resource identification, etc.
Meaningful, green jobs are a major benefit of utilizing renewable resources
Agenda
Thursday, September 23
8:30 Registration and light breakfast
9:00 Introductions and overview of the day
pacing: 1px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 1px; ">9:40 Setting the context
- Tim Weis (see Tim's presentation in pdf)
- Paul Cabaj (see Paul's presentation, originally prepared by Julie MacArthur in PowerPoint or pdf)
10:30 Break
10:40 What Alberta can learn from other jurisdictions - presentation and reflection
- Paul Gipe - Wind Works (see Paul's presentation in pdf)
12:00 Lunch
12:45 Visioning - preferred future
14:15 Break
14:25 Current reality - opportunities and challenges in Alberta
16:20 Closing reflection
18:00 Optional networking supper and cash bar on site ($25 additional charge)
Friday, September 24
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 Welcome and overview
9:10 Identifying targets & allies
9:55 Break
10:05 Moving forward and next steps
11:45 Closing reflection (lunch not included)
References
Recommended pre-reads
Grading North American Feed-in Tariffs by Paul Gipe (2010)
How do existing North American feed-in tariff programs stand up to best practices worldwide? How well do they compare to, say, programs in Germany or France? What programs are world-class? What programs are laggards? What programs fail to make the grade and are poor imitations of successful policies elsewhere? What innovations have North Americans contributed to what has become the worldwide policy of choice for developing renewable energy? These are all questions that need to be answered as policy makers look for guidance on how to design programs that not only work, but are also fair and equitable to ratepayers. This essay examines and grades North American feed-in tariffs. Some excel, some pass, and many fail in comparison to best practices worldwide. Read more...
Best Practices in Social Economy and Community Wind by Julie MacArthur, BALTA Researcher, Simon Fraser University (2010)
The purpose of this paper is fourfold: (a) to explore the context and rationale for community based wind development, (b) to outline basic forms and structures of community and co-operative wind projects, (c) to examine financing and policy challenges and opportunities, and (d) to outline domestic and international best practice cases. What is known about this niche of the green energy sector is often contained in diverse literatures that rarely speak to each other. This paper is an attempt at drawing together conceptual and practical tools from a wide base to explore, examine and facilitate community based wind projects in Canada generally and Alberta specifically. Read more...
Greening the Grid: Powering Alberta's Future with Renewable Energy by Jeff Bell and Tim Weis, The Pembina Institute (2009)
Alberta's growing demand for electricity can be entirely met by tapping into the province's vast renewable energy resources.
Pembina's analysis of green electricity scenarios clearly demonstrates Alberta has incredible potential to become a leader in green power production and energy efficiency and doesn't have to rely on dirty fuels. Read more... (fact sheet, full report)
Other Provincial Clean Energy Alliance Documents
A Vision of a Greener Energy System for Ontario by Ontario Green Energy Act Alliance (2008)
On September 16, over 100 people gathered to envision a greener Ontario. The group was diverse: First Nations, farmers, advocates and practioners, current and retired employees of local distribution companies and municipalities, civil servants, lawyers, business leaders and a broad representation of non-governmental organizations.
This important event has officially launched the stakeholder engagement process for the creation of the Ontario Green Energy Act. It was a participative session where the stakeholders were taken through a formal visioning process. The outcome was a declaration of strategic goals for the future of Ontario's electricity sector.
The final statement outlines the potential for renewable energy and conservation in Ontario - and the barriers that the Ontario Green Energy Act must overcome to achieve them. Read more...
Nova Scotia Sustainable Electricity Alliance Terms of Reference by Ecology Action Centre (2010)
The Nova Scotia Sustainable Electricity Alliance is comprised of leading trade associations, environmental groups, First Nations, energy developers, academics and consumers. We represent both rural and urban Nova Scotia.
The Alliance was formed as a result of a common mission to support the implementation of policies that facilitate the development of community based and community owned renewable energy production. The purpose of NovaSEA is to encourage a strong long term renewable energy policy framework; facilitate the transition to price stability that a secure long term supply of renewable electricity generation affords; and create an environment of equitable access to renewable energy development opportunities for all Nova Scotians.
This includes opportunities for First Nations and community driven projects to maximize local community economic development and support the diversification of the renewable energy market in Nova Scotia. Read more...
Additional Reference Documents
Feeding the Grid Renewably: Using feed-in tariffs to capitalize on renewable energy by Roger Peters and Tim Weis, The Pembina Institute (2008)
Feed-in tariffs have been demonstrated to be the most effective policy mechanism that a country can use to foster the rapid development of renewable energy systems. Close to two-thirds of the world's wind energy and half of the solar PV systems have been installed as a result of feed-in tariffs.
The purpose of this document is to introduce the reader to the key elements of feed-in tariffs and the ways in which they function to achieve rapid renewable energy deployment. Read more... (fact sheet, full report)
Building the Green Economy: Employment Effects of Green Energy Investments for Ontario by Robert Pollin and Heidi Garrett-Peltier (2009)
The study, led by Professor Robert Pollin, an expert in the economics of building a clean-energy economy and co-director of the Political Economy Research Institute at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, assesses the job creation potential of two investment scenarios. Under the first scenario, based on European countries that have laws similar to the proposed Green Energy Act, a total investment of $47.1 billion over 10 years would result in 90,000 jobs per year. The jobs would ramp up over time as investments in conservation, renewable energy, recycling waste energy into electricity and smart grid upgrades increased.
Under the second scenario, based on the green energy investments proposed in the Ontario Power Authority's plan for rebuilding the province's electricity system, investments totalling $18.6 billion over 10 years would result in the creation of 35,000 jobs per year. The Ontario Power Authority is expected to release a revised electricity plan this summer, once it has gauged the initial response to the Green Energy Act. Read more...
Registration
To register and for more information, contact Paul Cabaj at paul.cabaj (at) gmail (dot) com or 780.716.4475 or Tim Weis of the Pembina Institute at timw (at) pembina (dot) org or 780-485-9610 x105.
Thanks to our sponsors!
Thursday Oct 28, Calgary
Friday Oct 29, Edmonton
Participants will..
- Review policies - and best practices - that help ensure a stable and successful non-profit organization: e.g. governance, succession planning, fund development, and financial managment, and new approaches to strategic planning
- Inventory your organizations'existing policies, and identify gaps in your policy framework
- Create an action plan to develop essential policies and best practices within your organization
Resource People:
- Stephen Legault Consulting
- Gareth Thomson-ACEE
CLICK HERE to register for the Calgary workshop.
CLICK HERE to register for the Edmonton workshop.
More information is on ACEE's website.
Teresa Chilkowich is a passionate social change agent who has been engaging in ecological stewardship, environmental education, and community building activities for over fifteen years. She also has seven years experience facilitating experiential workshops based on “The Work that Reconnects” of Dr. Joanna Macy.
http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-community-events-Conversations-to-Change-the-World-workshop-W0QQAdIdZ184062896
Knox United Church, 506 – 4th Street SW – Calgary, AB
Saturday, February 20th, 2010 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Teresa Chilkowich is a passionate social change agent who has been engaging in ecological stewardship, environmental education, and community building activities for over fifteen years. She also has seven years experience facilitating experiential workshops based on “The Work that Reconnects” of Dr. Joanna Macy.
http://banff.kijiji.ca/c-community-events-Healing-our-World-Working-to-Reconnect-workshop-W0QQAdIdZ184064656
Gaia Collaborative Medicine Studio, Canmore, AB
Sunday, March 7th, 2010 Noon - 4:00 pm
Age of Stupid is part of an environment-related film series at The Plaza in Kensington.
Sponsored by Arusha Action Films, Step It Up Alberta, Green Calgary, and Moms Against Climate Change.
Friday, December 11 at 9:15 p.m.
The Plaza in Kensington (1133 Kensington Rd NW, Calgary)
Age of Stupid is part of an environment-related film series at The Plaza in Kensington.
Sponsored by Arusha Action Films, Step It Up Alberta, Green Calgary, and Moms Against Climate Change.
Saturday, December 12 at 5:15 p.m.
The Plaza in Kensington (1133 Kensington Rd NW, Calgary)
Age of Stupid is part of an environment-related film series at The Plaza in Kensington.
Sponsored by Arusha Action Films, Step It Up Alberta, Green Calgary, and Moms Against Climate Change.
Tuesday, December 15 at 5:15 p.m.
The Plaza in Kensington (1133 Kensington Rd NW, Calgary)
Age of Stupid is part of an environment-related film series at The Plaza in Kensington.
Sponsored by Arusha Action Films, Step It Up Alberta, Green Calgary, and Moms Against Climate Change.
Thursday, December 17 at 5:15 p.m.
The Plaza in Kensington (1133 Kensington Rd NW, Calgary)
Age of Stupid is part of an environment-related film series at The Plaza in Kensington.
Sponsored by Arusha Action Films, Step It Up Alberta, Green Calgary, and Moms Against Climate Change.
Sunday, December 13 at 2:45 p.m.
The Plaza in Kensington (1133 Kensington Rd NW, Calgary)
Age of Stupid is part of an environment-related film series at The Plaza in Kensington.
Sponsored by Arusha Action Films, Step It Up Alberta, Green Calgary, and Moms Against Climate Change.
Monday, December 14 at 7:15 p.m.
The Plaza in Kensington (1133 Kensington Rd NW, Calgary)
Age of Stupid is part of an environment-related film series at The Plaza in Kensington.
Sponsored by Arusha Action Films, Step It Up Alberta, Green Calgary, and Moms Against Climate Change.
Wednesday, December 16 at 7:15 p.m.
The Plaza in Kensington (1133 Kensington Rd NW, Calgary)
1229 9th Avenue SE (New address)
Science Cafe is a place where, for the price of a cup of coffee or pint of beer, you can learn about the latest ideas and issues in science and technology in an informal setting.
The volume of ice in the Arctic Sea decreased significantly from 1980 to 2003 and continues to decrease
Moderator: Dr. Rod Smith, Research Scientist, Natural Resources Canada
Speakers:
Shawn Marshall, Canada Research Chair in Climate Change, University of Calgary
John Yackel, Associate Professor of Geography, University of Calgary
Click here for the poster.
Director Andrew Eddy in attendance - Q&A following the screening
Ali Howard's livelihood depends, to some degree, on the vitality of the Skeena River and the pristine forests along its banks, so when Big Oil moves in with designs on methane gas exploration, she decides to do something about it. Inspired by the moxy of world-renowned river swimmer Martin Strel (star of BIG RIVER MAN, CIFF Doc Soup 2009), Howard decides that the appropriate course of action is grassroots activism: she's going to swim all 610kms of the Skeena. During her month-long adventure-from the frigid trickle at the source of the Skeena through white-water canyons and temperate rainforests to the Pacific Ocean-Ali gets by with a little help from her friends. Filmmaker Andrew Eddy captures this roadtrip of awareness, creating a film that's not only a document of Ali's journey, but a stunning visual argument of a rugged and beautiful wilderness worth saving.
4:30pm Eau Claire Cineplex Odeon
Director Andrew Eddy in attendance - Q&A following the screening
Ali Howard's livelihood depends, to some degree, on the vitality of the Skeena River and the pristine forests along its banks, so when Big Oil moves in with designs on methane gas exploration, she decides to do something about it. Inspired by the moxy of world-renowned river swimmer Martin Strel (star of BIG RIVER MAN, CIFF Doc Soup 2009), Howard decides that the appropriate course of action is grassroots activism: she's going to swim all 610kms of the Skeena. During her month-long adventure-from the frigid trickle at the source of the Skeena through white-water canyons and temperate rainforests to the Pacific Ocean-Ali gets by with a little help from her friends. Filmmaker Andrew Eddy captures this roadtrip of awareness, creating a film that's not only a document of Ali's journey, but a stunning visual argument of a rugged and beautiful wilderness worth saving.
The 2nd Annual Barrhead Green Expo and Trade Show will be held on April 23 & 24, 2010
Friday April 23, 2010
- 3:00pm Expo Doors Open
- 8:00pm Expo Doors Close
Saturday April 24, 2010
- 10:00am Expo Doors Open
- 7:30pm Door Prizes Awarded
- 8:00pm Expo Doors Close
Reserve your space at the 2010 Barrhead Green Expo and Trade Show.
Put your GREEN product or service on display in Barrhead on April 23 & 24, 2010! We want to see your:
- Agriculture and Permaculture Systems
- Sustainable Architectural Design
- Building Products
- Recycled Products
- Solar Products and Services
The Town of Black Diamond and Alberta Acts on Climate Change are hosting two open forum dialogues focusing on moving the Black Diamond Sustainability Plan forward, and creating an action plan for climate change solutions in the community. All community members of Black Diamond and the surrounding area are invited to take part.
Join Black Diamond Mayor Sharlene Brown and the Black Diamond Sustainability Committee in charting out a detailed plan for moving your community forward!
Black Diamond residents discuss sustainability at the first Forum on the Future
Part II: Action Planning & Moving Forward
Saturday, April 24th, 2010 from 9:30 am- 2:00 pm
(lunch provided)
Griffith Memorial Centre, 126 Government Road South
Registration is free but required to attend. Lunch and childcare will be provided.
The April 24th Forum for the Future includes a tour of Black Diamond's sustainability successes:
- The renewable energy-powered Oilfields Regional Arena
- The Diamond Valley Community Garden
- The pocket gardens on main street...and more!
Edmonton, 7-9pm
Greenwoods Bookshoppe is located at 7925 - 104 Street
When Bob Lovelace set out to write about the struggle of his people against uranium exploration in Ontario, he wrote it from a Canadian maximum security prison. The 61-year old grandfather, and a chief of the Ardoch Algonquin, was in prison for standing up for social justice and environmental protection. To write, Lovelace used a pencil sharpened by scraping it across the metal staircase near his cell. The first handwritten copy was 'lost' by the prison authorities.
Lovelace wrote again and his second copy became the prologue to one of two books by Edmonton researchers that will be celebrated at Greenwood's Bookshoppe, Thursday, April 8. Randy Haluza-DeLay, a sociologist at The King's University College in Edmonton, and Laurie Adkin, political scientist at the University of Alberta invite those interested in environment, social justice and democracy in Canada to the launch of the paperback editions of these two unique books.
Both books are published by UBC Press. Haluza-DeLay is a co-editor of Speaking for Ourselves: Environmental Justice in Canada. Adkin edited Environmental Conflict & Democracy in Canada. Alberta chapters cover the Lubicon Cree, prairie farming as environmental injustice and ecological citizenship, with other chapters on water, forestry and industrialization.
Wine and light refreshments will be served! Books will be available for purchase. The launch runs 7-9pm. Greenwoods Bookshoppe is located at 7925 - 104 Street, Edmonton.
Contact
Gail Greenwood (780) 439-2005
Randolph Haluza-DeLay (780) 465-3500 ext 8063
Laurie Adkin (780) 492-0958
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED
For the past year The BC Alberta Social Economy Research Network (BALTA), a collaboration of academics, social economy institutions and practitioners has funded a research project titled Prospects for Socializing The Green Economy: The Case of Renewable (Wind) Energy. On April 28 you are invited to a workshop hosted by the BALTA research project team. This workshop is not about re-inventing the wheel, but about building upon the work many of you have been involved in over the past several years. It will be another milestone on the path to the social economy becoming an important player in the development of Alberta's renewable energy resources. Below is an outline of the agenda.
The Summit Room
Holiday Inn on 67th
6500 - 67 Street, Red Deer, Alberta
Wednesday, April 28, 2010; 10:00 am - 2:00 pm (lunch provided)
- Eye on the Prize - Riding the Wind to Success, the latest intelligence on wind electric potential in Alberta; barriers, key policies that need to be in place; and elements of the 'Alberta lens' that provide a context for Wind development strategies.
- Review of BALTA Sponsored Research Findings - An overview of research undertaken over the past 6 months focusing on social economy opportunities in Alberta's wind energy industry. This will include identification of relevant precedents in Canada, North America and Europe; review of Alberta social economy assets with respect to exploitation of the wind energy opportunity; mapping of the social economy players and presentation of five potential foci of a strategy for success: Financing Opportunities, Partnerships with Private Sector, Small Community Owned Installations, Municipal Partnerships, and Advocacy through Education and Information.
- The Ontario Experience - Continental Leaders. Presentation and discussion of current and planned community based renewable energy projects in Ontario.
- Do we have The Right Ingredients? What's Missing?
- Scenario Building. We will complete the day by developing 3 - 4 scenarios, strategies, or roadmaps for how the social economy will achieve success in the wind energy industry in Alberta; identify key elements of a best-case scenario and identify immediate (two year horizon) Steps Toward Success.
More information is here.
Please note that while we will be focusing on the prospects of wind power for this session, we are taking this as a starting point from which community and local ownership lessons can be adapted where appropriate to renewables in general.
Please RSVP your attendance to: paul.cabaj@gmail.com
We look forward to seeing you there.
Regards
Paul Cabaj
The Rev. Dr. Mishka Lysack and the Very Rev. Bill Phipps will share their thoughts on Copenhagen. Alex Doukas, a member of the Canadian Youth Delegation, will join us live from Copenhagen (at 4 a.m.!) via video conference to describe what he is seeing. United Church of Canada Moderator Mardi Tindal will explain the United Church's interests in Copenhagen before she heads over there. The Raging Grannies will entertain and enliven us and we will have art stations and opportunities to voice your opinions to our elected leaders via recorded video messages.
7 p.m., Hillhurst United Church, 1227 Kensington Close NW, Calgary
September 24-26, 2010
Tired of governments ignoring you?
Sick of industry calling the shots?
You’re not alone!   
Greenpeace Canada, Indigenous Environmental Network, Rainforest Action Network, and Sierra Club Prairie will be hosting a Tar Sands Climate Action Camp outside of Edmonton. This will be an intensive three-day training session to help prepare participants to gain grassroots organizing skills, and training in Non-Violent Direct Action (NVDA) to stop climate change, shut down the tar sands, and shift us towards a just, green future!
There will be workshops on the following topics:
- Climate change & climate justice History of civil disobedience
- Environmental justice and anti-oppression Non-Violent Direct Action (NVDA) theory and practice
- Action planning and decision-making,
- Affinity groups
- Campaign planning and powermapping
- Working with the media
- Know your rights, legal briefing
This is a critical time for action. At the camp you will meet other participants ready to take action. The training will be provided by experienced grassroots organizers, and NVDA trainers and organizers, and will be open to those who have previously done activism, NVDA and/or Civil Disobedience, or have little or no experience but want to learn more! We’ll be learning how to plan and implement activities that will RAISE THE ALARM ABOUT THE GROWING CLIMATE CRISIS. Whether you’re joining as an individual or part of a group, this camp affords an opportunity to meet and join others wanting to get active on climate change and create just and healthy communities for the future.
So what are you waiting for?! Fill out the application and send it to eryn.wheatley@greenpeace.ca by Tuesday, September 14, 12 Midnight MST.
Can’t come to the camp but still want to get active and involved? Check Greenpeace Canada, Indigenous Environmental Network, Rainforest Action Network, Sierra Club of Canada Prairie.
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