Alberta creates low-carbon task force

EDMONTON, Alberta, Sept. 20 (UPI) -- By appointing a task force to help usher in a low-carbon economy, the provincial government in Alberta said it was in a unique position to lead.

A five-member task force was appointed by the provincial government to help steer research, development and deployment of technology that could be used to advance a low-carbon economy in Alberta.

"Alberta, along with every jurisdiction in the world, is in a race for technology and innovation," Economic Minister Deron Bilous said in a statement. "Our advantage as an energy leader means that we are uniquely positioned to lead on clean energy and technology, creating jobs and a more resilient, diversified economy for generations."

Bilous last week unveiled a $23 million package to help pay for long-term, locally developed projects meant to create jobs and diversify the provincial economy.

Alberta lies at the heart of the Canadian oil sector and lower crude oil prices have resulted in a 3.7 percent contraction for the provincial economy. In July, the last full month for which Alberta's government has data, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 8.6 percent, up from the 7.9 percent the previous month. The national unemployment rate for July was 6.9 percent.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, embracing a green economic agenda, touted partnerships in low-carbon technology with Chinese businesses during a state visit to Shanghai in early September. The prime minister said better-paying jobs could emerge on both sides of the Pacific with a stronger focus on low-carbon partnerships.

Those in Canada supporting the oil and gas industry have been critical of the focus on low-carbon technologies, saying it shifts attention away from one of the central components of the nation's economy.