Kenney commended; solar project launches
An anti-racism advocacy group commended UCP Leader Jason Kenney Thursday for denouncing Islamophobia, a day after criticizing his response to a hateful letter that was sent to an Edmonton mosque.
“On behalf of real Albertans, we would like to advise you that you and your religion don’t belong here in Alberta,” said the letter that used the UCP logo.
“We are White. We are Christians. We are Proud,” the letter continued. “Our Premier to be Jason Kenney is going to take Alberta back. So adapt if you want to stay (sic).”
The letter was dropped off at the Markaz Ul Islam mosque in southeast Edmonton and the issue was reported to police.
In a Facebook post Wednesday, Kenney said that hatred and bigotry have no place in Alberta.
“All Albertans must be free to practice their faith in peace,” he wrote. “To the ignorant fool who sent this letter, you’d best look at my long-standing work in pluralistic outreach, including all races, religions and creeds.”
But Faisal Suri, president of the Alberta Muslim Public Affairs Council, said Kenney’s response didn’t recognize that Islamophobia is a real threat and called on him to condemn it “unequivocally.”
The organization tweeted an update Thursday after Kenney did a radio interview, saying he “clearly and emphatically” denounced Islamophobia.
“We thank you for taking the matter seriously, and we look forward to partnering with you and all Albertans as we seek to fight
This project helps make life better for residents by reducing pollution and increasing safety.
Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, and all forms of bigotry and intolerance,” said the tweet.
SOLAR PANEL PROJECT LIFTS OFF IN FORT CHIPEWYAN
A $3.3-million government grant will allow Indigenous communities near Fort Chipewyan to own and operate the largest off-grid solar and storage project in Canada, said a Thursday news release.
The project is a partnership between Three Nations Energy LP (3NE) — made up of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Mikisew Cree First Nation and Métis Local 125 — and ATCO. It’s estimated Fort Chipewyan will start generating solar power in fall 2020.
ATCO is supplying design, construction and operation services.
“In addition to reducing costs, this project helps make life better for residents by reducing pollution and increasing safety,” said Indigenous Relations Minister Richard Feehan in a statement.
The solar photovoltaic system will consist of about 7,500 panels and replace the equivalent of 800,000 litres of diesel fuel for Fort Chipewyan, said the news release. It aims to supply about 25 per cent of the community’s energy use. The total cost of the solar farm is $7.8 million.