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53-506: The first Minister of the Environment was Jim Henderson , appointed by Premier Harry Strom in 1971. He was succeeded by William Yurko from 1971 to 1977. Ian Reid was the minister in 1988 and 1989 Ralph Klein was the minister from 1989 to 1992. The ministry was renamed Environment and Parks on May 24, 2015. On June 28, 2022, Whitney Issik was appointed Environment and Parks Minister, replacing Jason Nixon. On June 9, 2023, Rebecca Schulz

106-489: A "conflicting mandate" as both an energy promoter and "the primary vehicle of environmental protection in Alberta" and considered splitting it. She was concerned that AER had "responsibility for most of the environmental protection and monitoring part and standards development within the energy sector." Some in the oil industry insiders, such as Bill Andrew, CEO of Long Run Exploration, supports splitting up "AER's functions because

159-552: A March 17 Global News article. Jim Henderson (Alberta politician) James Douglas Henderson (January 2, 1927 – June 29, 2020) was a politician from Alberta , Canada. He served in the Legislative Assembly of Alberta from 1963 to 1975, first as a member of the Social Credit Party and later as an independent. He served as a cabinet minister in the government of Harry Strom from 1969 to 1971. Henderson

212-413: A larger margin of victory than in 1963. Henderson was appointed a Commissioner of Oaths on October 24, 1967. He was appointed Minister of Health and Minister of the Environment by Premier Harry Strom . In 1971, redistribution resulted in the abolition of the electoral district of Leduc, and Henderson ran in the new electoral district of Wetaskiwin-Leduc in the election held that year . Henderson won

265-645: A new public-land-use zone in the area on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains , west of Nordegg ." as one way among many of "diversifying Alberta's economy through tourism". The Bighorn Wildland Provincial Park is a proposed provincial park that would be situated near Rocky Mountain House . The proposed area to be set is "about the size of Rhode Island " and is the largest of four proposals for "new or expanded" parks. The proposed region, situated between Banff National Park and Jasper National Park , would provide

318-475: A not-for-profit association that manages Alberta's recycling program which includes recycling of tires, paints and electronics. Alberta Recycling Management Authority reports to the Minister of Alberta Environment. Alberta Used Oil Management Association (AUOMA) manages the "Alberta province-wide Recycling Program for Used Oil, Used Oil Filters and Plastic Oil Containers." Beverage Container Management Board (BCMB),

371-676: A not-for-profit association, was established in 1997 under the Beverage Container Recycling Regulation section of the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act. Climate Change and Emissions Management Corporation (CCEMC) established in 2009 by the Province of Alberta, is an independent organization that establishes or participates in "funding initiatives that reduce GHG emissions or improve our ability to adapt to climate change ." In April 2007, Alberta became

424-616: A seat in the legislature, so Henderson continued as parliamentary leader and Leader of the Opposition for most of the year. However, he quit the party in September and sat as an independent. He retired at dissolution of the assembly in 1975. Alberta Energy Regulator The Alberta Energy Regulator ( AER ) is a quasi-judicial , independent agency regulating the development of energy resources in Alberta. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta ,

477-504: A statement announcing that public consultations that were planned for Drayton Valley , Edmonton , Red Deer , and Sundre , would be cancelled. In "Optimizing Alberta Parks" published in March 2020, Parks Alberta announced that in 2020, about a third of the province's parks and protected and recreation areas would be closed or handed over to third parties in a cost-saving measure. In a March 5, 2020 statement entitled "Optimizing Alberta Parks",

530-536: A total of $ 4.4 million federal and $ 1.9 million provincial and $ 800,000 local taxes generated. The Alberta government committed $ 18 million to rebuild the Course and to protect it from future flood damage. In November 2018, Alberta's provincial government under Premier Rachel Notley proposed "four provincial parks, including the Bighorn Wildland Provincial Park , plus four provincial recreation areas and

583-534: A town of 7,000, led by United Conservative Party (UCP) Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta (MLA) for Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre , Jason Nixon , oppose the creation of the park. Nixon has made unfounded claims that the plan is a "foreign-funded plot to wall off the back country to Albertans who call the region home". On January 5, 2018, following alleged bullying and intimidation of Bighorn Wildland Provincial Park supporters, Minister Phillips issued

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636-606: A vast and critical wildlife corridor for numerous wildlife species, including sensitive species, such as bull trout —Alberta's provincial fish, wolverine , and grizzly bears , that would extend from Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming in the south to the Yukon in Northern Canada . According to a January 7, 2019 article in The Globe and Mail , some residents of Rocky Mountain House ,

689-782: A whistle-blower complaint, the three agencies—the Alberta Ethics Commissioner Marguerite Trussler , the Public Interest Commissioner, and the Auditor General had undertaken launched separate probes into the AER in 2018. Global New' s request for a freedom of information resulted in the release of AER CEO Laurie Pushor's 20 April 2020 "internal briefing note" consisting of 60 pages of emails. Between 2020 and 2023, AER and Imperial Oil conspired to hide an ongoing and massive tailings pond seepage at

742-602: Is Stephen Lougheed. Fish and Wildlife Division includes a number of departments, including Fish & Wildlife Fisheries Management. Fisheries Management alone had a budget of $ 6.4 million to be used over three years to "help restore flood-affected fisheries and aquatic habitats in southern Alberta." Alberta Fisheries Management Round Table, Alberta's Fish Conservation Strategy, Commercial fishing in Alberta, Fish management plans and Fish Management Zones and area fisheries management Fisheries Management operate under Fisheries Management. Environment and Parks works in collaboration with

795-605: Is a government research agency established in 2010 as a "Provincial Corporation operating under the authority of the Alberta Research and Innovation Act. AITF supports research and innovation activities targeting the development and growth of technology-based sectors in alignment with Government of Alberta priorities." The AITF, the Royal Alberta Museum , the University of Alberta , and the University of Calgary jointly run

848-800: Is responsible for all energy-related applications under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act , the Water Act , the Public Lands Act , and the Mines and Minerals Act . The AER also responds to concerns from landowners, First Nations, industry, and other stakeholders regarding energy regulations in Alberta and mediates disputes surrounding energy projects. In the past the Energy Resources Conservation Board and Alberta Environment conducted investigations separately, but, with

901-557: The 2014 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Lima, Peru where conference delegates held negotiations towards a global climate agreement with the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) as the overarching goal. In line with this, Fawcett described how his key goal was to build networks with other "sub-national jurisdictions", Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia and California — to potentially work on new agreements on carbon offset — across provincial and national borders as part of

954-465: The AER website , which also includes copies of all investigation reports. Since the Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) was succeeded by AER, as part of their succession title pages of all existing ERCB directives such as Directive 074 regarding oil sands tailings ponds performance dated 3 February 2009, now carry the AER logo. As of March 2024, prior to several resignations and additions that spring,

1007-662: The Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (ABMI). ESRD consults ABMI reports in regards to enforcement of environmental laws. Data and information on air, water, biodiversity and toxicology used in Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (ABMI) report was "partially funded through the Joint Oil Sands Monitoring (JOSM) program, a joint federal-provincial environmental monitoring program established in 2012." The CEO

1060-466: The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) became the single regulator for energy development in Alberta taking over enforcement of environmental laws and issues including environmental and water permits for energy developments, formerly responsibilities of Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development. Prior to the establishment of the AER, an arms-length corporation, Alberta Environment and

1113-706: The Alberta Oil and Gas Conservation Board , the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board , and the Alberta Energy Resources Conservation Board . The AER builds off of this legacy, but it is now, under the REDA, an entirely new organization with new regulatory functions and authority over energy-related applications and developments. In December 2012, REDA passed in the Alberta Legislature as part of

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1166-548: The Kearl Oil Sands resulting in the release of over 5.6 million litres of contaminated wastewater into the nearby ecosystem. Provincial Minister of Energy and Minerals , Brian Jean , visited the Kearl site and applauded Imperial's "commitment to environmental protection" as "top notch", days before the AER announced another 670,000 litre leakage. Jean deflected criticisms, claiming that "it's just muddy water". On March 6, 2024,

1219-502: The 1960s, including the extinction of herds roaming Alberta’s southern slopes. Sixteen herds remain in the province, totaling roughly 3,000 animals." According to the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (ABMI), an agency that monitors and reports on biodiversity status throughout the province, by 2014 all six herds of caribou, including the threatened boreal and the endangered mountain caribou , "have suffered annual rates of decline ranging from 4.6% to 15.2% from 1993 to 2012" in

1272-414: The AER authority to review and make decisions on proposed energy developments , to oversee all aspects of energy resource activities in accordance with government policies, to regularly inspect energy activities to ensure that all applicable requirements are met, to penalize companies that fail to comply with AER requirements, and to hold hearings on proposed energy developments. As the single regulator, it

1325-643: The AER's executive and leadership consisted of: (2022, in CAD$ ) Claims to have NATO Security Clearances: Secret and Top Secret. (2022, in CAD$ ) Under the AER's governance structure, the board of directors determines the general direction of the regulator rather than overseeing the AER's day-to-day operations and decisions – these are the responsibility of the chief executive officer. The CEO receives and makes decisions on applications, monitors and investigates energy resource activities for compliance, and oversees

1378-625: The AER's mandate under the Responsible Energy Development Act (REDA) is "to provide for the efficient, safe, orderly and environmentally responsible development of energy resources and mineral resources in Alberta.” Responsible for all projects from application to reclamation, the AER administers the Public Lands Act, the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act and the Water Act. The AER operates at arm's length from

1431-540: The Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development finalized and signed an agreement with Kan-Alta Golf Management Ltd., a company with alleged connections the provincial government to rebuild the Kananaskis Country Golf Course , as a result of the 2013 Alberta floods damage. The deal "resulted in over $ 5.4 million" paid to Kan-Alta Golf "to cover business losses and other expenses." During

1484-842: The Alberta Land Stewardship Act, and the Alberta Land Trust Grant Program "focuses on conserving ecologically important areas to prevent habitat fragmentation, maintain biodiversity and preserve native landscapes." The Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB), an arms-length agency of the Government of Alberta that reports to Alberta Environment, was established in 1991 under the Natural Resources Conservation Board Act (NRCBA). The NRBC reviews "proposed non-energy natural resource projects." Moved to Municipal Affairs in 2018. In March 2014

1537-658: The Aseniwuche Nation, the Foothills Landscape Management Forum (FLMF), and the Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk on projects such as caribou monitoring. Dave Hervieux, Regional Resource Manager, Peace Region, is the woodland caribou management coordinator with Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development's fish and wildlife division. "Alberta Environment estimates that the province’s caribou population has declined by nearly two thirds since

1590-635: The Court of Appeal of Alberta. The AER is 100 per cent funded by industry and is authorized to collect funds through an administrative fee levied on oil and gas wells, oil sands mines, and coal mines. The industry-funded model is sometimes used by regulatory agencies in Canada, such as the Alberta Utilities Commission and the BC Oil and Gas Commission. Its budget is established through a formal process between

1643-559: The Environment Protection and Enhancement Act." When reclamation is completed partial refunds or credits may be made. Alberta's Treasurer administers the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Fund as part of the Consolidated Cash Investment Trust Fund. By March 2012 Fund total cash deposits (with interest), bonds and guarantees were $ 1,314,392,292 and by March 2013 they were $ 1,503,038,440. According to

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1696-665: The Environment and Parks (then named Environment and Sustainable Resource Development) 2012-2013 report, by 31 March 2014, the only activities that had contributed only in guarantees with no cash or securities collected were those engaged in oil sands development. For example, the Fund had collected $ 11,647,586.67 in cash and $ 340,836,116 in guarantees from companies engaged in coal development activities and no cash but $ 967,585,501.63 in guarantees from companies engaged in oil sands development activities. Moved to Municipal Affairs in 2018. The Alberta Land Stewardship Fund, established in 2010 under

1749-430: The Government of Alberta's Treasury Board and the AER, and the budget must be approved by the Government of Alberta. The AER has an annual budget of more than $ 165 million and more than 1200 staff working in 15 locations across Alberta. Critics raised concerns the AER would lead to less transparency in the regulation of the oil, gas and coal industry and would weaken environmental protection. Alberta Surface Rights Group,

1802-454: The Government of Alberta, under an appointed board of directors. Energy regulation in Alberta has evolved over time to meet changing technologies and public needs. Since the creation of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Conservation Board in 1938, the regulatory body has consistently overseen energy development in the province. It has existed under several names throughout its history, including

1855-715: The June 2013 Alberta floods, Kananaskis Country "sustained the most extensive damage in its 36-year history." and 32 of the 36 holes at the Golf Course were damaged. The Kananaskis Country Golf Course was built by the Alberta Government in 1983 as part of economic diversification using money from the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund . In 2011 the facility showed a province wide net economic impact of $ 14 million, 175 full-time equivalent jobs sustained province wide,

1908-498: The Ministry of Environment and Parks under Minister Jason Nixon , announced a cost-saving program that would have an immediate impact on a third of the province's parks and protected and recreation areas in 2020. Citing an annual expense of $ 86 million and a revenue from these spaces of only $ 36 million, Nixon said that the UCP government would "fully or partially close" "20 provincial parks" and

1961-600: The Regulatory Enhancement Project. On 17 June 2013, all regulatory functions previously carried out by the Energy Resources Conservation Board were taken over by the AER. The AER "ensures the safe, efficient, orderly, and environmentally responsible development of hydrocarbon resources over their entire life cycle. This includes allocating and conserving water resources, managing public lands , and environmental protection while providing economic benefits for all Albertans." These hydrocarbon resources are among

2014-889: The Responsible Energy Development Act." Environmental impact assessment (EIS) reports are ordered under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act. Industrial mineral projects are defined in the Mines and Minerals Act. Environment and Parks as a ministry of the Government of Alberta, consists of Alberta Recycling Management Authority , Alberta Used Oil Management Association , Beverage Container Management Board , Climate Change and Emissions Management Fund , Environmental Appeals Board , [Environmental Protection and Enhancement Fund], Land Compensation Board , [Land Stewardship Fund], Land Use Secretariat , Natural Resources Conservation Board , Surface Rights Board . The Alberta Recycling Management Authority, established in 1992,

2067-534: The United Landowners of Alberta, First Nations, farmers and ranchers have expressed concerns about the streamlining of regulatory processes that may benefit oil and gas industries at their expense. Energy Minister Ken Hughes argued that the Policy Management Office would oversee AER when it takes over from Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESRD) in issuing permits related to water and to

2120-451: The closure of energy developments, including reclamation and remediation of the land. Hearing commissioners constitute another part of the AER's structure. They conduct all hearings into energy applications and regulatory appeals, in addition to helping to develop the organization's hearing procedures and rules as well as other day-to-day operations. Hearing commissioners are independent adjudicators, and their decisions may only be reviewed by

2173-510: The creation of a single regulatory body for energy developments, the AER now conducts investigations and inspections to ensure compliance with all regulatory, environmental, and safety requirements. The AER can enforce industry compliance with regulations using tools that include more frequent and detailed inspections, more stringent planning requirements, enforcement orders, shutting down operations, administrative penalties, and prosecution. The AER regularly posts details of compliance activities on

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2226-690: The current regulator has too much on its plate". Others, however such as Gary Leach, president of the Explorers and Producers Association of Canada, argue that AER's primary role is "environmental protection, public safety and resource conservation – not the promotion of energy development," and that the "many jurisdictions in North America and around the world" see AER "as a leading regulator for energy projects." On 5 October 2019, three independent investigations into AER's International Centre of Regulatory Excellence (ICORE), submitted their findings. In response to

2279-401: The energy sector—including oil, gas and coal—are regulated under the AER, which is entirely funded by these industries. Prior to REDA, the Alberta Environment regulated these permits under three provincial laws, the Water Act, the Public Lands Act, and the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act. In June 2015, Alberta Premier Rachel Notley expressed concerns that the AER appeared to have

2332-423: The environment. The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) welcomes the change that will streamline access to water and environmental permits for oil companies, by creating a one-stop-shop with "much needed clarity". Rachel Notley, Alberta New Democrat's environment critic, expressed concern that the security of water and the environment would be compromised if the all decisions relating to development in

2385-637: The first jurisdiction in North America to pass climate-change legislation requiring large emitters to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions . The Climate Change and Emissions Management Corporation (CCEMC) was created in 2009 to be a key part of Alberta’s climate change strategy and movement toward a stronger and more diverse lower-carbon economy. CCEMC is aligned with and builds on Alberta's 2008 Climate Change Strategy and Carbon Capture and Storage Development Council, and "seeks to complement decisions made on large carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects." In December 2014 Environment Minister Kyle Fawcett attended

2438-594: The now-defunct Energy Resources Conservation Board conducted investigations separately, but, with the creation of a single regulatory body for energy developments, the Alberta Energy Regulator now conducts investigations and inspections to ensure compliance with all regulatory, environmental, and safety requirements. Environment and Parks played a significant role in the development of Alberta Innovates-Technology Futures (AITF) which brings together academics, governments and industry to foster innovation. The AITF

2491-631: The oil sands region (OSR) as oil and gas production booms in northern Alberta. As these herds in the oil-sands region are "genetically distinct" from other boreal caribou populations, the ABMI report concludes that, "It is therefore unlikely that populations in the (region) will gain new members from caribou populations in other parts of the province." In a Wall Street Journal article Dawson observed that, "The report comes amid controversy over Alberta's recent sales of oil and gas development leases in areas populated by both boreal and mountain caribou." On 16 July 2014

2544-519: The province's climate change framework. The Environmental Protection Security Fund operates under the Environment Protection and Enhancement Act. The Environmental Protection Security Fund collects for activities such as "coal and oil sands, mining operations, landfills, hazardous waste, recyclable projects, quarry activities, waste management facilities, sand and gravel operations and metal production plants", and holds security deposits to "assure satisfactory land reclamation will be carried out according to

2597-418: The seat by a narrow margin over Progressive Conservative candidate Emanuel Pyrcz. The Social Credit government was defeated, and Henderson and the remaining Social Credit MLAs moved to the Opposition benches. Strom resigned the party's leadership in 1972, and Henderson was named interim leader of the party and thus became Leader of the Opposition . Werner Schmidt became party leader in 1973 but did not have

2650-515: The world's largest reserves at 167 billion barrels of bitumen and crude oil , 33.7 trillion cubic feet of natural gas , and 37 billion tons of coal. The AER also regulates the infrastructure associated with these reserves, including a provincial pipeline network of 415,000 kilometres (km), over 181,000 operating wells, more than 50,000 oil and gas facilities, over 200 thermal oil sands projects, nine oil sands mines, 11 coal mines, and four coal processing plants. The Government of Alberta has granted

2703-423: Was "planning to hand over 164 others to third-party managers". The statement also mentioned that the government might potentially sell Crown land. Concerns were raised and Nixon said, "We are not selling any Crown or public land — period", according to a March 5 Calgary Herald interview. The government listed a 65-hectare plot of land east of Taber in a March 31 auction with a starting bid of $ 440,000, according to

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2756-516: Was born in Okotoks, Alberta. He first ran for a seat to the Alberta Legislature in the 1963 general election as the Social Credit candidate in the electoral district of Leduc. He defeated five other candidates, including incumbent Ronald Ansley, an independent Social Crediter, and Edmonton councillor Ron Hayter , a Liberal. In the 1967 general election Henderson defeated three other candidates by

2809-619: Was sworn in as Minister of Environment and Protected Areas. "The purpose of this Act is to provide for an impartial process to review projects that will or may affect the natural resources of Alberta in order to determine whether, in the Board’s opinion, projects are in the public interest, having regard to the social and economic effects of the projects and the effect of the projects on the environment." Natural resource refers to "the subsurface, land surface, water, fauna and flora resources of Alberta, but does not include an energy resource as defined in

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