On September 18, the Government of Alberta released the Report of the Royalty Review Panel. The review process began in February of this year with the formation of an expert six-person panel; their sole purpose was to review the current royalty system and determine if Albertans were receiving their fair share from energy development. After looking at the information collected from a series of public meetings and reviewing over 300 submissions from Albertans, municipalities, and industry, the independent panel released a 104-page report (entitled Our Fair Share) outlining their findings and recommendations for improvements.

In general, the energy industry has a significant impact in Alberta. Approximately one in six Albertans work directly or indirectly in this industry, which provides the government with one-third of its total revenue. However, the panel came to the conclusion that, as the owners of this natural resource, Albertans have not been receiving their fair share over the years. It seems the resource base itself, world markets, and other energy-rich regions have been changing, but the methods for determining royalty rates have not kept up with such changes. Ultimately, the panel confirmed that it was the government’s responsibility to re-balance the current system to ensure Albertans do receive their fair share, both currently and as circumstances fluctuate.

Click to View the Full Story

Machine O Matic Equips 143 Students with Tools for School

For the fifth consecutive year, our staff and owners have come together to help raise funds for the United Way’s Tools for School program, which helps underprivileged students obtain school supplies they need to succeed. We manage to exceed our previous year’s per capita fundraising goal every year that we have been involved in the Tools for School campaign. This year, we beat our previous per capita fundraising goal again, proving that a small handful of individuals can still make a huge difference in the community.

Kevin, owner, comments, “It was a huge achievement for our small team of 26 when we raised $5,640 last year. Not many companies can say that they have 100% employee participation in any social, work-related event. There’s been full participation every year, so we’re really proud of everyone’s efforts.”

With our staff roster currently at 12 this season, this year’s final numbers have turned out to be even more amazing. Staff members each raised over $350, bringing the total amount to over $4,295. At our annual open house event, an additional $1,000 was raised through supplier and customer donations and a 50/50 draw. Owners then matched the funds raised by staff, bringing the total donation to $9,600—all of which will support Tools for School. This huge achievement was recognized and well-celebrated at our annual corporate BBQ.

Special thanks go out to Moose Manufacturing and Thermex Metal Treating Ltd. for their considerable contributions during the campaign. We also want to thank Rishi Mittal and Global Hire for their donation of a $100 Southgate Mall gift certificate towards our 50/50 draw.