Opinion: To build Alberta, we must protect our innovation funding
As the federal government looks to fast-track nation-building projects and critical infrastructure, Alberta's experience and technical expertise in advancing major projects that balance decarbonization and economic development must be leveraged. Even more notably, Alberta is actually one of the best places to dream up new ways of developing Canada sustainably.
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But the province must maintain its competitive edge by protecting and investing in its existing comprehensive innovation funding channels.
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The Government of Alberta is engaging stakeholders on the Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction program ahead of its legislated review by the end of 2026. Although there is plenty of conversation around TIER as it relates to carbon pricing, we would do better to acknowledge its support of Emission Reduction Alberta, which funds innovative technologies and the jobs that come with them across the province.
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Separately, the province also provides funding for early stage technology through Alberta Innovates. Between ERA and Alberta Innovates, the province can support innovation in the energy sector from the beginning to the end of its development cycles.
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As the provincial government undertakes its review, Alberta's industries recognize that TIER might change. However, it is important to reflect on the major investment success stories that were achieved due to this program.
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This support — plus Alberta's business-friendly environment, natural resources, existing technical expertise and well-established regulatory framework — makes the province an obvious destination of choice for clean tech project developers and innovators.
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With all the uncertainty facing innovators around the world, this is a great time to celebrate their contributions to the province.
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For example, since its inception, funds from the TIER system have enabled ERA to invest more than $1 billion into Alberta projects, many of which would not have happened without it. This funding has created an innovation ecosystem. It has helped close the funding gap faced by all new technologies, derisked and leveraged private-sector investment, and shown the international community that Alberta is open for business.
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While other provinces struggle with piecemeal approaches to economic diversification, Alberta has created a self-sustaining model where industry payments fund the very innovations that strengthen industry competitiveness. This approach has allowed the province to support jobs and economic activity without taxpayer dollars — a fiscally responsible strategy that any government should be proud to champion.
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Calgary Herald
8 hours ago
- Calgary Herald
Opinion: To build Alberta, we must protect our innovation funding
As the federal government looks to fast-track nation-building projects and critical infrastructure, Alberta's experience and technical expertise in advancing major projects that balance decarbonization and economic development must be leveraged. Even more notably, Alberta is actually one of the best places to dream up new ways of developing Canada sustainably. Article content Article content But the province must maintain its competitive edge by protecting and investing in its existing comprehensive innovation funding channels. Article content Article content Article content The Government of Alberta is engaging stakeholders on the Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction program ahead of its legislated review by the end of 2026. Although there is plenty of conversation around TIER as it relates to carbon pricing, we would do better to acknowledge its support of Emission Reduction Alberta, which funds innovative technologies and the jobs that come with them across the province. Article content Separately, the province also provides funding for early stage technology through Alberta Innovates. Between ERA and Alberta Innovates, the province can support innovation in the energy sector from the beginning to the end of its development cycles. Article content As the provincial government undertakes its review, Alberta's industries recognize that TIER might change. However, it is important to reflect on the major investment success stories that were achieved due to this program. Article content Article content This support — plus Alberta's business-friendly environment, natural resources, existing technical expertise and well-established regulatory framework — makes the province an obvious destination of choice for clean tech project developers and innovators. Article content With all the uncertainty facing innovators around the world, this is a great time to celebrate their contributions to the province. Article content For example, since its inception, funds from the TIER system have enabled ERA to invest more than $1 billion into Alberta projects, many of which would not have happened without it. This funding has created an innovation ecosystem. It has helped close the funding gap faced by all new technologies, derisked and leveraged private-sector investment, and shown the international community that Alberta is open for business. Article content While other provinces struggle with piecemeal approaches to economic diversification, Alberta has created a self-sustaining model where industry payments fund the very innovations that strengthen industry competitiveness. This approach has allowed the province to support jobs and economic activity without taxpayer dollars — a fiscally responsible strategy that any government should be proud to champion.
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Survey shows most Albertans don't want province setting standards for school library books, province going ahead
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