Blair Shunk

For Alberta greenhouse operators, reliable heat is essential to year-round cultivation. It also creates exposure to energy-market changes that can complicate long-term planning. Future-proofing does not mean assuming natural gas will become unaffordable. Nor does it mean expecting a new heating option to beat today’s gas prices. It means understanding your energy needs, improving efficiency […]

Alberta greenhouse operators know how to manage heat. They also know that natural gas is familiar, available and inexpensive today. Any proposal to replace it must begin with that reality. So geothermal heat should not be sold as a cheaper option to today’s gas price. The stronger case is risk management: a potential way to

Alberta is a province defined by its resilience and its resources. For decades, we have been the engine of Canada’s energy sector, and our farmers have been the backbone of our food supply. However, as we look toward the future, we face a systemic challenge that threatens both of these pillars: the rising cost and

Existing resources. New possibilities. Alberta and British Columbia have built strong communities around energy, industry, and resource development. That history created valuable infrastructure, skilled workforces, and deep technical knowledge. However, some wells and mines now sit out of service. These assets may still carry environmental, economic, and community costs. At the same time, farms, businesses,

Alberta’s greenhouse industry is entering an important growth phase. Hydroponic production is among the fastest-growing parts of controlled environment agriculture. It could help provide more local vegetables, create meaningful work, and strengthen food security across the province. However, every grower faces the same operating challenge: heat. Alberta’s winters demand reliable heating for much of the

A New Vision for Alberta’s Food Future Alberta has a strong agricultural identity. Our farmers produce food across a vast and productive province. However, seasonal production creates limits. Long winters can interrupt supply and raise operating costs. Global markets can also shift quickly. Weather events, transportation delays, and geopolitical tensions may affect the food Canadians

For generations, Alberta’s farmers have been the backbone of our province. We take immense pride in our traditional farming practices and our ability to feed families across the country. However, the modern agricultural landscape is shifting. Volatile energy prices and unpredictable weather patterns are creating new obstacles for our community. To maintain our leadership in

Alberta stands at a critical crossroads. For decades, our province has served as the heartbeat of Canada’s energy industry. However, as the global energy landscape shifts, we face a dual challenge that demands immediate attention. We must address the growing number of out-of-service oil and gas wells while simultaneously securing our future food and energy

Geothermal is officially out of the niche as Alberta and global leaders recognize always-on geothermal heat as a practical energy solution. For decades, the global conversation around renewable energy has been dominated by two main characters: wind and solar. We have seen vast arrays of panels and towering turbines rise across our prairies, and while