Parker: Calgary's Cvictus sourcing coal for sustainable livestock feed

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Calgary-based Cvictus, a clean energy and biotech startup, is poised to transform the way the world's livestock is fed by providing a low-cost, low-carbon, sustainable alternative to fish or soybean meal — and it's doing it by tapping into an abundant resource: coal.
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No, it's not digging it up. Cvictus is revitalizing a pioneering method of extracting beneficial gases to produce feedstocks such as methanol, from coal found deep within the earth's surface without mining.
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'We have giant dreams and expectations for where this technology will go, but as a startup we can't feasibly employ the resources required to scale,' says Katrina Stewart, Cvictus director, biotechnology and carbon reduction. 'Academic researchers provide the innovation, expertise and drive we need to help move the needle forward on this exciting technology.'
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Brought up in Calgary, Stewart earned her chemical engineering degree at Queen's University in Kingston, Ont., before expanding her sciences understanding by spending a year in Edinburgh, Scotland, where she enjoyed studying for her Masters in Brewing and Distilling.
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Back home in Calgary she is converting that same drive in working with Mitacs-supported researchers to help Cvictus advance two separate, yet integrated projects.
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On the clean energy side, they're contributing to commercialization of the company's large-scale hydrogen recovery platform at a cutting-edge facility near Red Deer. Hydrogen is produced from deep within a coal seam using patented technology that successfully sequesters carbon at the same time.
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On the biotech side, Cvictus is tapping into cutting edge expertise at University of Alberta's Biorefining Conversions and Fermentation Laboratory under the supervision of professor David Bressler, and in consultation with experts who worked on the original technology.

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Vancouver Sun

9 hours ago

• Vancouver Sun

Anthony Gismondi: Canadian wine has never been better as national awards mark 25th year

As you read this, I will be embarking on my 25th year at the WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada in Penticton. Toronto-based writer and critic David Lawrason and I established the original awards to reliably assess the quality of Canadian wines on an annual basis. Over the last quarter century, the awards have produced a moment-in-time snapshot of the state of Canadian wine. Most of the first two decades mirrored the growth of wine and wine quality across Canada, while the last five have been marked by the chaos of a global pandemic and a variety of climate events, ranging from wildfire smoke and deep freezes to heat domes and drought, interspersed with some exceptional vintages and vigneron resilience lit amid the chaos. Our vision for a national competition encompassed participation from across the country, both by wine producers and judges and aimed to provide consumers with valuable insights regardless of their location. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we are proud to have achieved widespread industry participation despite the provinces' continuing restrictions on the free movement of wine within Canada. Discover the best of B.C.'s recipes, restaurants and wine. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of West Coast Table will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. British Columbia and Ontario dominate the entries, supplemented by increasing contributions from Quebec, Nova Scotia and other regions, creating a comprehensive picture of Canadian wine. The credibility of the awards is bolstered by the participation of virtually all of the country's most significant wineries. That does not happen anywhere else. We should note that mead and cider producers have also joined the show, albeit in modest numbers. This year's judging panel consists of 25 experts, slightly more women than men, hailing from several cities across Canada, as well as from San Francisco and London, England. We have introduced a mentorship program for young professionals over the years, providing apprentice judges with valuable experience alongside the nation's top sommeliers, retailers, buyers and wine critics. So, what can we say about Canadian wine after two and a half decades? It has never been better. The most significant gains have occurred in the last five years, as significantly improved viticulture has finally provided us with the raw material that reflects our wealth of unique terroir and climate. When we began The Nationals, Icewine ruled the day. Like Sauternes, it is somewhat out of fashion today, as Syrah, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir dominate the stage. Syrah has been a mainstay category for quality at The Nationals. Still, since 2023, the complex grape has suffered significant damage in B.C. from two major freeze events, and its future looks uncertain as owners assess the risks and rewards of growing it again in the future. In the same vein, there is an opportunity for Grüner Veltliner, Semillon, Chenin Blanc and, as we warm up, even Cabernet Sauvignon. Nothing stays the same. Our best wines are turning heads, but sadly, we have yet to find our feet in the export markets, mainly because we sell everything we make in Canada. There is plenty to celebrate, and we suggest you do so with Traditional Method sparkling wines made in Canada, now showing up at celebrations across the nation. They are the perfect example of a true cool-climate wine, offering the ideal balance of acidity while allowing for an appropriate level of ripeness to produce outstanding sparklers from Nova Scotia to British Columbia. It should be a great week. Look for our report when the results are out in mid-July. $16.99 | 89/100 UPC: 3760040420127 The Paul Mas Viognier originates in Languedoc, France, a region known for the concept of 'Luxe Rural,' or rural luxury. The wine style is influenced by the warmth of the south, offering aromas of ripe apricots and peaches with a hint of florals. On the palate, it presents rich stone fruits complemented by hints of honeysuckle and spice. It is a versatile table wine that pairs well with grilled shrimp, roast chicken, vegetarian stir-fries, mild curries or soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert. $31.39 I 91/100 UPC: 808755006236 Severe winter temperatures resulted in notably reduced Chardonnay yields in 2023. Despite the limited crop, the quality is exceptional, characterized by excellent flavours and acidity balance. The warmer-than-usual conditions have contributed to this Naramata Chardonnay displaying a slightly richer texture that matches its complexity. Orange, tangerine, peach and hazelnuts combine to complement the oak, resulting in a well-balanced, delicious Next World Chardonnay that is somewhat reminiscent of a Western Australian Leeuwin Estate. The price remains a rare Okanagan bargain — winery direct or private wine shops. Price: $32 | 90/100 UPC: 776545502315 The 2024 Red Barn pink is the first replacement wine released by winemaker Kaylee Barrs. Fittingly, to fill the 'gap' left by the damage wreaked at Jagged Rock Vineyard, which, by the way, is well on its way to recovery, is a Pinot Noir from the Petaluma Gap, a large 200,000-acre AVA that stretches from San Pablo Bay to Bodega Bay. The styling is Red Barn, from its barely there colour to its subtle mix of dry red fruits and acidity. Sleek and pure, it fits the gap to a T. Impressive. $29.99 I 90/100 UPC: 628055147107 Bartier's '22 Franc is a mix of fruit from Cerqueira Vinyard (Black Sage Bench) and Blind Creek Vineyard (Similkameen), with minor additions of Syrah and petit verdot. The colour, nose and palate are rich and deep, with scents of black fruits, baking spices and minerals. There is a modicum of light tannin that will dissipate over the next year, leaving a mostly warm, friendly, lush south Okanagan red you can confidently serve with grilled vegetables, pork or beef. $34.99 I Score 90/100 UPC: 818201022161 Le Volte dell'Ornellaia is designed for earlier consumption compared to the flagship Ornellaia due to its softer tannins and brighter fruit. The 2022 blend comprises 51 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon, 44 per cent Merlot, and 5 per cent Petit Verdot, with an alcohol content of 13 per cent. It has floral and light toast aromas and a palate that includes blackberries, red plums, dried herbs, and black olives. This wine can be consumed now or stored for future use. • If you are planning to visit Vancouver Island this summer and want to catch up on the wine scene, Blue Grouse Vineyards has a spectacular venue in the Cowichan Valley and a wide assortment of offerings for you, including a sit-down, in-depth guided tasting of five wines, pack a picnic or on-site food offerings when you book a table and buy a bottle of wine. Neapolitan Pizzas and a bottle make for a fun afternoon looking over the vineyards. All and more are available by reservation at Visit Blue Grouse . Experience prices vary, starting at $15.99 per person. • The Fairmont Waterfront Garden Dinner Series has upcoming evenings scheduled for July 24 and Aug. 21. Enjoy a multi-course menu by executive chef Harris Sakalis, paired with wines from Burrowing Owl Estate Winery (July 24) and Quails' Gate Estate Winery (Aug. 21). The event features vintage cellar selections, insights from collaborators such as Chief Beekeeper Julia Common and Dave Wayward of Wayward Distillery, and dishes with rooftop honey and signature gin-based cocktails. Book your seat at the Garden Dinner Series – Fairmont Waterfront . $24.99 I 90/100 UPC: 776545993069 What can I say? This wine is as good as it was when tasted last year, if not better. The MHFE Reserve Rosé originates from southern estate vineyards in Osoyoos and Oliver. In 2022, it has a clean, crisp, fresh and bright profile. It features a blend of red fruit, including watermelon, strawberry and rhubarb, with subtle sweetness and no detectable sugar. Suitable for pairing with prawns, crab cakes, olives, and more, this style of rosé is easily comparable to those produced in Provence. $20.99 I 88/100 UPC: 8011204007650 This 85 per cent Glera and 15 per cent Pinot Noir blend is grown in light, stony soils. The two varieties are fermented separately and left on their fine lees until the second fermentation, which ends just off-dry, with approximately 11 grams of sugar per litre. The mix spends 60 days in a pressurized tank at 12°C, producing a persistent and creamy foam. Orchard fruits with a hint of vegetal notes provide balance, making this Prosecco the perfect late-afternoon aperitif. Organically certified and suitable for vegan diets, this Prosecco hits all the right notes for its price and the packaging.

CTV News

13 hours ago

• CTV News

Ottawa considering ‘combination of approaches' to 20% military pay hike

The Canadian flag is seen on a soldier's shoulder during an interview in Calgary on Thursday, Dec. 9, 2010. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward OTTAWA — Defence Minister David McGuinty's office says it's considering a 'combination of approaches' to boosting pay for armed service members, including introducing retention bonuses for 'stress trades.' 'This investment represents an almost 20 per cent increase to the overall CAF compensation envelope,' McGuinty's spokesperson Laurent de Casanove said in an email statement to The Canadian Press. 'The Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces are actively working on how best to implement this investment — looking at options that include a combination of approaches such as retention bonuses for stress trades, increased starting salaries for junior members, and a broad-based salary increase.' While McGuinty's recent public commitment to grant the Canadian Armed Forces a '20 per cent pay increase' won praise within the defence community, it has also led to confusion — and some experts are saying they want to read the fine print. Military pay scales are complicated and are based on rank, profession, deployment and other conditions. There are many ways to roll out a boost in compensation. Charlotte Duval-Lantoine, a fellow at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, said she thinks this will not amount to an across-the-board pay hike. 'What is clear to me from this statement is that they are looking at all the options,' she said. 'We're still in that big question about what it looks like because a pay raise versus specialty pay versus an adaptation of the compensation package overall — not in salary — are not the same thing.' She said the way the pay pledge was communicated initially was 'risky' since the details were not readily available, and that has led to confusion among military members and expectations of a blanket pay hike. Gary Walbourne, former ombudsman for the Department of National Defence, called McGuinty's promise 'vague at best.' 'There's nothing clear in this message,' he said. 'A 20 per cent increase overall to CAF compensation envelope, what does that mean? Is it coming in benefits? … Is it going be on a cyclical basis? What's the percentage increase? Is it based on seniority, rank, merit?' The former watchdog for military personnel said it sounds like the Liberal government wants to implement a pay boost quickly, but 'the mechanisms that they apply to it is going to complicate it and once the bureaucrats get their hands on it, well, I can see a slowdown coming.' If CAF members don't see a 20 per cent pay bump after the minister's announcement, he said, it will be 'déjà vu all over again' for military personnel who have been let down in the past by lofty promises followed by implementation that 'sucks big time.' The federal government has multiple policy options for addressing the cost of living for CAF members, such as lowering rent for on- or near-base housing or boosting allowances, such as danger pay. Duval-Lantoine suggested Ottawa should focus on specialty trades that 'do not get nearly the attraction that they need to have.' The military has long struggled with shortages of professionals who are hard to recruit and retain — people in the technical trades and logistics, pilots, medical specialists and middle management. The Navy has found it hard to attract and keep maritime technicians, while people working in maintenance trades such as plumbers and electricians can be paid better in the private sector. Walbourne suggested Ottawa look at direct pay, focus on the lower ranks and address regional disparities in the cost of living. Andrew Leslie, a retired lieutenant-general and former Liberal MP who has called for higher wages in the armed forces, hailed the minister's pledge as long overdue. 'They need it because the last 10 years, there hasn't been a lot of love shown to the Canadian Armed Forces by the government of Canada,' Leslie said. 'Quite frankly, a 20 per cent pay increase is outstanding and I compliment the leaders who made that decision. I firmly believe they're going to pay a 20 per cent pay increase to everybody in the Canadian Forces.' Gaëlle Rivard Piché, head of the Conference of Defence Associations and the CDA Institute, called the promised pay hike a 'great first step' and something that could be achieved 'quite easily' compared to other challenges facing the armed forces. 'It was long overdue,' she said. 'We know that the Canadian Armed Forces have been dealing with both a recruitment and a retention problem, and an increase in salary will certainly help to make Canadian Armed Forces positions and employment more attractive.' Prime Minister Mark Carney vowed during the recent federal election that he would rebuild and rearm the military and increase military pay. Some of the largest earmarks in his election platform go toward national defence. He recently announced a cash injection of $9 billion into national defence this fiscal year, as Canada looks to finally meet its NATO defence spending commitment. Then-defence minister Bill Blair last year described the state of military recruitment as a 'death spiral' and Canada is still short some 13,000 regular and primary reserve personnel, according to the Department of National Defence. 'There's been generally some delays in terms of receiving basic training, but also trade-related training, which makes people less inclined to finish their training and then become an actual serving member,' said Rivard Piché. Leslie also said housing and base conditions remain abysmal in some areas and need to be quickly addressed. 'Black mould exists in a variety of national defence buildings. There are some bases that don't have drinking water. There's buildings and houses for families that are 60, 70, 80 years old in dire need of repair,' he said. 'As well, you've got to make sure that you have money for equipment, money for training, money to create the stockpiles of stuff you're going to need should the worst happen — i.e., war.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 21, 2025. Kyle Duggan, The Canadian Press

CTV News

a day ago

• CTV News

Flames Foundation, Rotary Clubs team up with Parks Foundation to create 4 new sports zones across city

The Calgary Flames Foundation are teaming up with 2 Calgary Rotary Clubs and the Parks Foundation to create 4 sports zone in different communities across the city. The Calgary Flames Foundation is teaming up with the Rotary Club of Calgary at Stampede Park and the Rotary Club of Calgary Downtown to make a $3 million gift to the community Friday that will create four new 'sports zones' in communities across the city. Each one will be a multi-purpose outdoor recreation facility -- outdoor rinks in the winter and multi-sport courts for the rest of the year. One of the sports zones will be in Pineridge, in northeast Calgary, where it will open in fall 2025. Two more will be built in Sunalta and Crossroads in the fall/winter of 2026 and a fourth in a community to be named later in the fall/winter of 2027. Each one will include built-in netting and a half-height board system to encourage inclusion and safety, as well as a bright, vibrant design that will bring a little sparkle to each community. The Flames Foundation is contributing $1 million and each from Calgary's two Rotary Clubs is also contributing $1 million. The Flames Foundation will also support low-to-no-cost programming at each Flames Rotary Sports Zone location, including after school programming, learn-to-skate and learn-to-play programs, summer programming and ball hockey. The organization will also support equipment that will be available at no cost at all four sports zones. 'The Flames Rotary Sport Zones represent exactly the kind of community-centred infrastructure that helps build stronger and healthier communities,' said Parks Foundation CEO Sheila Taylor, in a media release. 'By providing no cost programming and equipment along with these innovative amenities, we're ensuring that every child and family can participate.' 'The Flames Rotary Sports Zones will be the focal point of an engaging and vibrant community bringing youth, mentors, education, and sports enthusiasts together in a safe and supporting manner while building bonds and friendships that will last a lifetime,' said Rotary Club of Calgary at Stampede Park president Jim Bladon. The announcement came a day before the Rotary International Convention kicks off in Calgary at the BMO Centre. An estimated 17,000 Rotarians are visiting Calgary from around the world. For more information about Flames Rotary Sports Zones, go here.