Alberta is anticipating a less challenging wildfire season in 2025, thanks to favourable weather conditions, including above-normal snowpack and precipitation. Following two tough wildfire seasons in 2023 and 2024, the province has seen fewer carry-over fires, with only six remaining from 2024. While preparations include hiring more firefighters and conducting hazard reduction burns, Alberta Wildfire is also exploring new technologies like AI and drones to improve fire prediction and investigation. However, officials caution that unpredictable weather could still lead to challenges during the peak wildfire season from May to July.
The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) has a new top executive. Rob Morgan, a former CEO of Strathcona Resources Ltd., has been appointed to the role. Morgan, an engineer with over 40 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, takes the role amidst the Alberta government's push to increase oil and gas production and expand market access. Morgan acknowledged the AER's strained relationship with Indigenous communities and plans to address these concerns while balancing industry development and public interests.
Alberta could lose up to 33,000 jobs if the US imposes proposed tariffs of 10% on energy and 25% on all other goods, according to ATB Financial economist Siddhartha Bhattacharya. Bhattacharya warned that prolonged tariffs would harm production and slow economic growth, which is already weak due to low business investment. Bhattacharya advised caution, recommending that interprovincial trade barriers be removed and that consumers delay major purchases.
