Alberta supports Conservative MP David McKenzie’s Bill C-264 to repeal the federal Oil Tanker Moratorium Act and remove barriers preventing our responsibly produced energy from reaching global markets. Repealing the ban would open the door to crude-by-rail exports through Prince Rupert, giving Alberta another route to reach customers around the world. Our oil to the United States is selling at a significant discount at a disadvantage to the entire country. The only effective way to close that gap is to increase exports off our western coast and get more customers competing for our energy. For decades, limited access to tidewater has left Alberta heavily dependent on a single customer, putting our oil at a competitive disadvantage and reducing the value of our resources. The Trans Mountain Expansion has helped open new markets, particularly in Asia, but we need more pipelines and more access to tidewater. Pacific Link will help increase our export capacity, but we also need to remove the federal tanker ban to unlock opportunities through Prince Rupert. Global demand for energy continues to grow, and Alberta has the resources to help meet it. Alberta holds the fourth-largest proven oil reserves in the world, and developing those resources benefits all Canadians. They help fund hospitals, schools, critical infrastructure and social programs across the country, while creating long-term economic opportunities for Indigenous communities through investment and co-ownership in major projects. Canada cannot become a global energy superpower while federal policies continue to stand in the way of getting our energy to the world. Repealing the tanker ban is an important step toward securing better prices for our resources and building a stronger, more prosperous Canada.

Irv Kipnes helped to build Edmonton itself, first its neighbourhoods and businesses, then its hospitals, its theatres and its concert halls. He and his family gave on a scale this province has rarely seen. Cancer research. Heart care. The Kipnes Centre for Veterans. Edmonton's symphony, opera and ballet. The Jewish community he loved and supported all his life. There is hardly a corner of Edmonton that has not been touched by their generosity. Our condolences to the Kipnes family and to everyone who loved him. Alberta is better because Irv Kipnes called it home.

We were pleased to partner with Invest Alberta @Invest_Alberta for two exciting events today, ahead of the Canada Investment Summit tomorrow. First, we hosted a reception for international investors, entrepreneurs, and prominent global leaders, as well as federal and provincial governments officials. I shared how Alberta’s growing economy, highly skilled workforce, strong fiscal management, low taxes, and commitment to reducing red tape makes us an incredible destination for investments in all sorts of industries. Then we visited the Toronto Market Exchange where I had the unique honour of being the first Premier of Alberta to officially close the markets and witness energy stocks trading near record high levels! I reminded everyone that Alberta’s doors are always open, and Canada’s finance and investment community has a standing invite to walk on in.