Local 110 is sad to announce that Brother Richard Lewis passed away on Saturday May 21, 2016. Brother Richard has been a member since 1999.
Once funeral arrangements are made Local 110 will post funeral details.
Local 110 Officers, Staff and Members extend sincere condolences to all of Brother Richard's family and friends.
On May 24, 2016 I was asked to attend and speak on behalf of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 110 at the Government of Alberta press release regarding Bill 20.
Below you will find a copy of the Government of Alberta Media Release:
This proposed law implements key elements of Alberta's Climate Leadership Plan. It will create jobs by investing in a higher-value, lower-carbon, energy-efficient economy.
It will help Alberta do its part by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption, and improving the energy efficiency of Alberta homes, businesses and public buildings.
Alberta’s Climate Leadership Plan is widely supported in both the energy industry and in civil society. Alberta is taking its place as the leader on these issues.
“Our plan to reduce carbon pollution will diversify the economy, create jobs, protect the health of Albertans and erase any doubt about Alberta’s environmental record. It’s the right thing to do today and for future generations. Climate change denial is wrong for our economy and it’s wrong for our Alberta’s future.”
If passed, the proposed legislation would:
The $20 per tonne carbon levy will take effect on January 1, 2017. Every penny raised through the carbon levy will be reinvested in Alberta to reduce carbon pollution and provide rebates to help Albertans adjust. Sixty-six per cent of Alberta households will receive a full or partial rebate.
The legislation would also establish Energy Efficiency Alberta as the provincial agency that will develop and deliver provincial-scale energy efficiency and small scale renewable programs and services.
To launch programming in early 2017, the Alberta government is taking the steps it needs to get the agency up and running as quickly as possible.
In consultation with Albertans and stakeholders, the agency will design programs to help people better understand and manage their energy consumption and footprint, and reduce their overall energy costs.
Bill 20 would also amend the Corporate Tax Act, in order to reduce the small business tax rate, which will help small businesses adjust to the price of carbon. Effective January 1, 2017, the rate will be lowered from three per cent to two per cent.
The Act would also ensure the carbon price currently applied to large emitters could be invested to the benefit of all Albertans.
Alberta will continue to pursue technologies and initiatives that help large emitters reduce their carbon footprint.
“The Town of Banff is a national park community, and the protection of a healthy environment is of paramount importance to us. We applaud the direction toward climate leadership taken by the Province, which will help us sustain our tourism economy and provide a better future for all Albertans.”
“I am pleased to add my support for Minister Phillips and the Government of Alberta in implementing the Climate Leadership Plan, which recognizes that all Albertans must take responsibility for protecting our environment. The plan resonates well with the Town of Canmore in our goal of being municipal leaders through our Environmental Sustainability Action Plan, first approved in 2010. I am proud to see Alberta taking on this environmental leadership role nationally and internationally.”
“Today’s legislation will no doubt drive real and meaningful reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. It also offers new opportunities for the provincial government to partner with municipalities like Edmonton to more effectively address one of the great challenges of our time.”
“This is a new day for energy efficiency in Alberta. Creating Energy Efficiency Alberta is big step forward and will allow Albertans to reduce their carbon footprint while saving money at the same time.”
“The future, it’s why teachers teach, and protecting our environment is about making sure we’re providing the best possible future for our children. Any climate change strategy must include education to ensure our children develop a critical understanding of not only the causes and effects of climate change, but also how to work together to provide solutions.”
“As we move to a lower carbon future, Alberta’s transmission grid is ready to enable Alberta’s Climate Leadership Plan. Our transmission system in southern Alberta is already capable of accepting thousands of megawatts of new renewable energy.”
“Our provincial government realizes that successful energy policies tackle environmental issues holistically — from production through to end-use consumption. I favour the new climate change plan, because it places important emphasis on reducing end-use consumption by promoting energy efficiency and conservation measures.”
“BluEarth Renewables applauds the Alberta Government for taking a leadership position on climate change and diversifying Alberta's economy. Now is the time to establish Alberta as an international energy leader for the long term. The carbon levy is a first step towards building a sustainable and diversified Alberta.”
“The Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment celebrates the arrival of Alberta’s Climate Leadership legislation. Not only will the accelerated phase out of coal have substantial air quality improvements, but the Canadian Public Health Association has identified the climate crisis as a significant threat to Canadians health. The Alberta Government’s action to mitigate these effects are to be applauded by the entire medical community.”
“The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) is pleased that the Alberta government continues to demonstrate strong leadership through the implementation of its economy-wide strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A carbon levy will send clear market signals that will nudge the Alberta economy towards greener, more diversified energy use and a more sustainable growth path. The legislation supports Alberta’s efforts to accelerate the replacement of existing fossil fuel electricity generation with the zero-carbon power of wind energy and other renewable electricity generation. Clean carbon-free electricity is an integral component of any credible climate change plan.”
“Premier Notley and her government have shown leadership in ensuring the Alberta government consults in a meaningful way on climate change with industries across the province. This will ensure that climate change policies are designed and implemented correctly from the start and thus can protect the competitiveness of industry and the integrity of the environment. Our environment and our economy needs a price on carbon.”
“We’re pleased to see the provincial government putting its new climate plan into action. We fully support Alberta taking a leadership role in addressing climate change and we believe one of the best ways to do that is through an economy-wide carbon levy as well as by supporting the development of carbon-reducing technologies.”
“As an insurance company, we understand the risks associated with climate change and are supportive of carbon pricing as an important step in transitioning to a low-carbon economy. We have identified climate change as one of three focus areas for our impact investments, and hope to invest alongside the government of Alberta to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions as we work toward our ambitious impact investing target.”
“GE supports carbon pricing and continued investment in researching new technologies and digital tools to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The company’s 10-year eco strategy has clearly demonstrated it is possible to improve business operating performance while delivering better environmental outcomes.”
“This is an important time for Alberta and the future of Alberta’s electricity market, EDF EN Canada supports the Alberta government’s commitment to bring on more renewable electricity and its leadership on climate change regulations. Alberta has one of the best renewable resources in Canada and this announcement will send a strong market signal to stimulate development of new competitive renewable energy facilities in Alberta today and tomorrow.”
“The international Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers local 110 (Alberta) fully supports this important next step in Alberta’s Climate Leadership Plan. The legislation proposed by the Government of Alberta will reduce carbon, encourage energy efficiency and create jobs across Alberta’s economy.”
“We believe that a robust and credible climate change policy will be critical to the success of Alberta-based companies, including the energy sector, by reducing investor uncertainty. And implementing a broad-based price on carbon is one of the most important near-term actions governments can take towards a credible policy. Investors are particularly interested in the opportunities that can spring from an effective carbon pricing regime and we believe Alberta is well-positioned to take advantage of the growing investor appetite for these low-carbon opportunities.”
“Environmentalists, economists and a growing list of political leaders agree: a carbon price is the most effective way to reduce greenhouse gas pollution that causes climate change. The levy will allow Albertans to invest in energy efficiency, renewable energy and technology, while protecting consumers from volatile energy costs and creating jobs. It’s what Alberta needs in order to do our fair share on climate change and stay globally competitive.”
“The new carbon marketplace will automatically start to move Alberta toward a more sustainable, clean energy economy. In this way the carbon levy is beyond revenue neutral, it is actually net revenue positive. Solar energy creates jobs and Alberta has a world class solar resource waiting to be tapped.”
“Youth are innovators, and a crucial component of climate and energy solutions that benefit both the economy and the environment. As the Alberta government takes action on its climate plans, we want to congratulate them on creating space for youth voices and ideas. Recognizing that as the leaders of 2050, youth have a great stake in climate policy and will make a large contribution to our sustainable energy future.”
“We think climate change is happening. We believe a broad-based carbon price is the right answer and we’re pleased to see the Alberta government is taking steps to implement the climate leadership framework.”
“The Thermal Insulation Association of Canada, a national trade association with a focus on insulation for mechanical systems, fully supports the carbon reduction legislation proposed by the Government of Alberta. It is through improving the energy efficiency of the built environment that we can help reduce the effect of greenhouse gas emissions.”
”We applaud the government as it tables the legislation to mitigate the impact of climate change. We especially appreciate the rebate of the carbon tax for the working poor in our province. Coupled with other key initiatives such as the Alberta Child Benefit, it will help to reduce poverty in Alberta.”
“Smart carbon policy means pricing carbon broadly, and this is exactly what Alberta's new carbon levy does. Carbon pricing is the most cost-effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and Alberta's strengthened policy will help the province support a strong economy and environment into the future. Canada’s Ecofiscal Commission believes that each province needs to choose wisely how it recycles the new revenue. By investing in rebates for affected families, tax cuts for small business, green infrastructure and clean technology the Government of Alberta has done just that.”
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
It is expected that Fort McMurray residents will be able to start returning home on June 1 on a voluntary, phased basis.
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo has released a timeline and map outlining the phased re-entry plan:
http://www.rmwb.ca/News-Room/RMWB-Wildfire-Information/Wildfire-Re-Entry-Plan.htm
In Solidarity,
Brother Kevin Lecht
Local 110 is sad to announce that Brother Perry McCool passed away. Brother Perry has been a long time member since January 1976.
A memorial service will be held Friday May 27, 2016 at 3:30 pm at Park Memorial Chapel, 9709 – 111 Avenue Edmonton Alberta.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association.
Local 110 Officers, Staff and Members extend sincere condolences to all of Brother Perry's family and friends.
Good Morning Brothers and Sisters,
The Government of Alberta has posted information for Ft. McMurray residents on "Conditions for re-entry" and a "Conditional re-entry timeline". Details are on the AB Emergency Website:
http://www.alberta.ca/emergency.cfm
In Solidarity,
Brother Kevin Lecht
To update you on the fire to the south of Syncrude we can report that it moved further west along the south side of Syncrude by approx. 6 km over the past 24 hours. Industry fire support worked to help protect the Noralta Lodge. That effort is ongoing and remains positive. We have moved people back into the Athabasca camp as they have stabilized their operation. Again, we do not consider Horizon to be under threat. The fire is approx. 50 km south of Horizon. As previously mentioned we continue to work with the Regional Emergency Operations Center authorities for updates on the fire activity. Hi-way 63 has re-opened today to operate in a controlled fashion.
I want to ensure you our site is safe and our focus should remain on safe, steady and reliable operations including all project work activity fronts across site.
Regarding working at site, we have not and we will not ask anyone to work in unsafe conditions. Equally important, I reiterate our site is safe. In the event someone does not want to work on site for personal reasons we ask that you work with your supervisor to make arrangement to return to Edmonton or Calgary. In relation to smoke in the air, anyone with a chronic respiratory condition that is aggravated by the smoke should talk to their supervisor and go to the medical center ASAP.
Lastly for today’s update, our management team is working on a Q & A presentation that will be shared with everyone including information on our Emergency Management System along with a brief overview of our evacuation plans in the unlikely event that were to occur. We are not implementing evacuation, but we are ready to do so if required. I stress again the fire is 50 km south of Horizon. We plan to have the presentation available later today. Our EOC team is well prepared to respond to changing conditions and all matters of concerns are taken seriously by management. I have a very high level of confidence in the site management team supported by their confidence and situational awareness.
Next update – tomorrow morning . Have a great safe work day everyone.
Thanks for your hard work !!
Scott Stauth
Senior Vice President, North American Operations
PS. Other fire facts :
There are over 1000 firefighters , 169 pieces of heavy equipment and 42 helicopters working on the fire fronts.
Fire and operations in Wood Buffalo region
Update: 12:15 p.m.
We appreciate the patience of our workforce as we work through this complex and dynamic situation in the Wood Buffalo region. Employees should continue to check Suncor’s Facebook and Twitter pages as well as our website www.suncor.com/fort-mcmurray-fires for the latest information. Safety remains our top priority and we are continuously monitoring the situation and working to share accurate information as quickly as we can.
Here is an update on the current situation:
Fire situation:
• West section of the fire crossed AOSTRA Road. It is currently located west of Highway 63 and west of our Base Plant operations.
• The north east section of the fire is expected to move east due to wind direction, therefore we expect the risk to Firebag to decrease.
• Weather continues to be an issue with low humidity and high temperatures in the mid-twenties.
Status of personnel: Base Plant, Firebag, MacKay River, East Tank Farm & Pipelines
• All personnel for Base Plant and MacKay River will be taken out of the region with the exception of a minimum number of Emergency Response and Security workers required to close our operations at Base Plant. Plans are in place for their relocation.
• Firebag will move to a minimum number of essential personnel. The remaining non-essential personnel will be taken out of the region.
Status of personnel: Fort Hills
• All Fort Hills personnel currently at site will remain at site today. Plans are being developed to shift change existing staff.
• Flights scheduled to fly workers in to Fort Hills on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday have been canceled until further notice and will be rescheduled when appropriate.
• The situation in the region continues to be closely monitored and plans are in place to safely and quickly evacuate personnel if needed.
Status of Operations: Base Plant, Firebag and MacKay River
Completed an orderly shutdown of operations at MacKay River and Base Plant, including East Tank Farm
• Firebag currently shutdown and on hot standby.
Status of Operations: Fort Hills
• Fort Hills is currently at low fire risk
• Fort Hills continues to conduct operations activities and construction planning
Travel:
• Flights will continue to transport people out of the region.
• Bussing and out-bound flight schedules are currently being developed. We appreciate workers’ patience as we work through the logistics of relocating workers.
• Travel on Highway 63 is restricted. The highway is reportedly closed at both the Suncor interchange and the Parsons Creek interchange. Driving personal vehicles out of the region is currently not recommended. Convoys to bus personnel out of the region are being controlled by the RCMP.
• Visit www.sunlink.suncor.com regularly for travel updates.
Employee Assistance
• For any employee or work-related questions, contact our Suncor Family Support Centre at 1-877-285-4600 or FRC@suncor.com. We are working to resolve questions as quickly as possible.
• If you need support services please contact the Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP) at 1-800-387-4765.
1.Why is the Project returning to an operating mode if the fire is still active?
• The decision to return workers was decided after a thorough risk review and mitigation plans, feedback from workers, and the Project’s business requirements.
• A prolonged shutdown also presents a number of risks, which has been weighed against the risk of returning workers to sites to prepare for a return to operation.
2. Is it safe for employees to return to the region?
• Safety is the Project’s top priority and the decision was made to return workers to work after a thorough assessment of the risk to the Project’s operations and workers.
• The Project is monitoring the fire situation around the clock and performing additional fire mitigation activities depending on the risk to the site.
3. What if the fire or smoke situation changes?
• There are detailed monitoring and evacuation plans in place and those plans will be enacted if and when required.
4. How will we evacuate if needed?
• The plan will be communicated directly to site leaders and workers if plans need to be enacted.
5. How are we monitoring smoke?
• The Oil Sands Wildfire Smoke Management Plan (RGS0025A) is in place to proactively manage and monitor the risks and impacts associated with wildfire smoke.
6. How are we monitoring air quality?
• Air monitoring for carbon monoxide and respirable particulate is being conducted on site and in lodges on a continuous basis (frequency of monitoring is adjusted as per changing conditions).
7. How can my family reach me at the lodge?
• There is cell service at the lodges so your family can reach you. Please remember all cell phone usage rules still apply.
8.I heard Highway 63 is open. Can I drive my car to one of our sites?
• The City of Fort McMurray is still not accessible under any circumstances. This will be strictly enforced by RCMP.
•The Project is providing flights to and from sites from Calgary and Edmonton Hubs. Unless approved by the Project, workers must use this method of travel once they have been requested to come to work. The Project will provide bussing to and from the lodge.
• Workers are asked not to contact the provincial operations centre for updates on highway conditions.
Fort McMurray Forest Fires
May 17, 2016, 9:30am
Canadian Natural is closely monitoring the forest fires and changing wind conditions in the Fort McMurray area with the health and safety of our teams being our first priority. The forest fire continues to be a safe distance from Horizon Oil Sands and the winds are presently out of the south west. There is no current threat to the health and safety of people or infrastructure on our site. We have in place air quality monitoring equipment that consistently demonstrates air quality remaining well within acceptable limits. Should forest fires or air quality conditions change and pose a risk to our people and/or operations, Canadian Natural will take immediate action by enacting our comprehensive emergency evacuation plan with routes by air and ground.
Canadian Natural’s operations are returning to stable conditions today following minor repairs unrelated to the forest fires, which were completed to our upgrader over the past weekend.
We are grateful to everyone on the Canadian Natural team for their continued commitment and hard work through this challenging and fluid situation. Our thoughts and thanks remain with the firefighters and first responders for their determination and efforts to protect people and infrastructure in the region.
May 9, 2016, 4:30pm
The forest fires are moving away from Horizon Oil Sands and there continues to be no threat to the safety of the people on our site. To date, Canadian Natural has flown over 2,300 evacuees from our aerodrome to Edmonton or Calgary and the number of evacuees remaining at site is currently low. With the health and safety of our workers as the top priority, Canadian Natural continues to monitor weather conditions and air quality, which is consistently well within acceptable limits.
Canadian Natural’s current operations remain stable with more than 5,500 workers on site. Activities are beginning to normalize as we are welcoming back vendors and suppliers with deliveries to site resuming by ground. Canadian Natural will continue to closely monitor the wildfire situation in the region, taking immediate action should conditions change that pose a risk to our workers and/or our operations. Horizon has a comprehensive emergency evacuation plan in place with routes by air and ground, if necessary.
We appreciate the ongoing commitment and dedication of our workers through this time and we thank the firefighters and first responders who continue to work hard to protect people and infrastructure in the region.
May 7, 2016, 11:30am
Canadian Natural continues to closely monitor changing weather and air quality conditions with the safety and health of the people on our site of paramount importance. The forest fire is approximately 60 km from Horizon Oil Sands and there is no current threat to the safety of people on our site. Though the smoke over Horizon increased overnight with changing wind conditions, air quality has improved this morning with winds changing back to SW. Conditions are stable and replicating previous weather of sunny and dry conditions. Canadian Natural will continue to fly out Fort McMurray evacuees from our aerodrome as conditions allow and contingency plans are in place to evacuate from ground if necessary.
Current operations remain stable.
We want to thank our workers and evacuees for working together with us to help maintain calm and control through this fluid situation.
May 6, 2016, 12:00pm
Canadian Natural continues to focus on providing support and resources to Canadian Natural workers, Fort McMurray residents, and the firefighting effort. In addition, we are working to ensure that our neighbours in Fort McKay have assistance and support.
Yesterday, Canadian Natural provided flights from our aerodrome to approximately 675 evacuees and we will continue to work with industry colleagues to ensure that their workers and evacuees are safe, given accommodations, and transported to Edmonton or Calgary. To date, more than 1,875 evacuees have flown out from our aerodrome.
Current operations remain stable at this time.
We are grateful and proud for the strong commitment of our staff, firefighters, and emergency responders during this challenging time. Our thoughts remain with all of those impacted by the forest fires.
May 5, 2016 9:00am
Our primary focus remains the safety of Canadian Natural workers and providing support to Fort McMurray residents. We are providing accommodations at our camp for those affected. In the last 24 hours, numerous flights have left from our aerodrome moving out over 1,400 of our own workers. In addition, we have flown out approximately 1,200 evacuees so that they can secure shelter in Edmonton or Calgary. We have approximately 850 camp rooms available for evacuees.
All non-essential business travel to Horizon has been suspended but regular shift changes for operations staff will continue. Many people are currently moving in and out of our camps, and while we have seen some operations outages, current operations remain stable at this time.
We will continue to offer the support of our aerodrome services to government officials for firefighting efforts and a portion of our firefighters and equipment remain in the city helping to fight fires.
We wish to thank our staff, firefighters and emergency responders for their tireless work. Our thoughts are with our employees, their families, and all of those impacted in Fort McMurray and area.
May 4, 2016 9:00am
We are working to ensure that any potentially affected Canadian Natural workers who are residents of Fort McMurray are provided support during this time. We have provided accommodation at our camp for approximately 800 people from Fort McMurray, which includes employees and their families. We have offered the support of our aerodrome services to government officials for firefighting efforts and a portion of our firefighters and equipment are in the city helping to fight fires. Many people are currently moving in and out of camp, and daily operations remain stable.
For media inquiries, contact Investor Relations at ir@cnrl.com