MLA for Drumheller–Stettler Nate Horner welcomes the Federal injection of funds for the energy industry, but says more is needed to help the struggling sector as it faces COVID-19 and international price pressures.
    On Friday, April 17, the government of Canada announced a $1.7 billion investment into cleaning up orphan wells. About $1 billion is going towards Alberta, and an additional $200 million will be invested in the Alberta Orphan Wells Association to support its work.
    “We are definitely grateful. We are waiting for more clarification on specifics. The industry and the Energy Minister have been waiting for this for a while, hopefully it goes far enough,” said Horner. “It will never be enough but hopefully it helps address some of the short term issues.”
    COVID-19 along with measures taken internationally to lower the price of oil have taken its toll on the Alberta industry. There was some good news earlier this month as the government finalized an agreement with TC Energy to provide investment to accelerate the Keystone XL Pipeline construction. A large part of this project runs through the Drumheller-Stettler Riding. Last week a Montana judge revoked a key permit stalling the project again. Horner is confident this will be worked out.
    “I don’t see this as a long term block, “I think it will be addressed,” said Horner.
    He also points out the energy sector is not just an Alberta issue.
    “I hope it is enough for the oil industry. It is far bigger than the auto industry when it was bailed out by Ottawa. It affects the whole country,” said Horner.
    Beyond the energy package, he says he has been in almost daily contact with Battle River-Crowfoot MP Damien Kurek.
    “We are trying to make sure gaps are filled or at least they know there are gaps in regard to small business,” said Horner. “It is going to affect everybody and unfortunately many are falling into the cracks.”