Latest news with #ACFN
National Observer
08-05-2025
- Politics
- National Observer
First Nations take Alberta premier to task over separatist rhetoric
First Nations leaders say a silver lining to the 'rhetoric and insanity' brought about by talks of Alberta separatism has united Indigenous communities 'all across Canada, from coast to coast to coast.' Piikani Nation Chief Troy Knowlton said Alberta First Nations are gearing up for a fight with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. 'We're not going anywhere and if you feel that you have problems with First Nations, you could leave,' Knowlton said. Smith said this week she doesn't want Alberta to leave Canada but promised to hold a referendum on provincial separation in 2026 if citizens gather the required signatures on a petition. Smith's government also recently tabled legislation to make it easier for citizens to trigger a provincial referendum, lowering the required signatures from 20 per cent of registered voters to 10 per cent and granting an extra month to collect signatures. The backlash from First Nations leaders was swift — they pointed out Alberta is on Treaty 6, 7 and 8 land, and those treaty agreements are with the federal government, not the province. 'This is treaty country, and any talk of separation is really insanity,' Knowlton said at an emergency meeting convened by First Nations leaders on May 6 in Edmonton. 'If Alberta wants to separate, and doesn't want to be part of Canada, then you're not allowed on our traditional territories anymore for exploration, because we don't know who you're exploring for,'said ACFN Chief Allan Adam The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, which represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan, said Smith's proposal to lower signature thresholds for citizen-initiated referendums — which could more easily lead to a vote on separation — fundamentally ignores the nation-to-nation treaties signed between First Nations and the Crown. This was echoed by other leaders, including Mikisew Cree First Nation Chief Billy-Joe Tuccaro and Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Chief Allan Adam, who said any move in that direction would have immediate consequences for development in the province. 'If Alberta wants to separate, and doesn't want to be part of Canada, then you're not allowed on our traditional territories anymore for exploration, because we don't know who you're exploring for,' Adam said. In response to questions about a separation referendum's impact on treaty rights, Smith said she will have to wait until a citizen referendum proceeds to make any judgments about treaty rights. The ambiguity of her response did not quell concerns. 'Whether or not this rhetoric is real, you're upsetting a relationship that has been years in the making,' Gabrielle Slowey, a political science professor at York University, told Canada's National Observer in a phone interview. 'Historically, Alberta technically had a fairly good relationship with Indigenous groups compared to other regions in Canada. So, for the premier to be doing this … I'm not sure I see the value or the logic in it.' Slowey is surprised the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers and resource extraction companies aren't intervening because Smith is potentially triggering the sort of instability that markets hate, after years of building agreements with communities to create a stable investment environment. 'Alberta's worked really hard, and Danielle Smith's threats are undoing all of that,' Slowey said. Adam's call for no more resource exploration amidst talk of separation is exhibit A. 'That's gonna send a shiver and a chill that people don't need, not at this time when we're supposed to be building all these nationalist projects,' Slowey said. The resounding message from First Nations leaders this week is that they are gearing up for a fight. 'For the last 50 years, we've been in defense of our rights, of our land, our jurisdiction, our identity,' Knowlton said. 'We're very prepared. Today, every one of the First Nations you see here, we've got doctors, we've got lawyers, we've got judges, we've got Crown prosecutors. We're ready. We're ready for a fight. We've got resources that we can either share or utilize ourselves for any litigation moving forward and any challenges we're going to have.' This issue of separation referendums and treaty rights has played out before, when Quebec held its 1995 referendum, Slowey noted. To highlight their opposition to Quebec secession, the Grand Council of the Crees of Quebec held a separate referendum at the time to underscore their long-standing opposition to Quebec separating from Canada. Cree voters were asked: "Do you consent, as a people, that the Government of Quebec separate the James Bay Crees and Cree traditional territory from Canada in the event of a Yes vote in the Quebec referendum?" An overwhelming 96.3 per cent — with 77 per cent voter turnout — voted to stay with Canada. The Inuit of Northern Quebec held a similar referendum with 96 per cent of voters opposing Quebec's secession. Now, in 2025, First Nations leaders in Alberta are hammering home the same message. Tuccaro, Mikisew Cree First Nation Chief, had some words specifically for Smith: 'You will not do what you want without the approval of the treaty people. You talk about a reset with Canada. You must reset with the Indigenous Peoples from Turtle Island.'
Cision Canada
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Cision Canada
UCP MAKES IT EASIER FOR ALBERTANS TO BRING FORWARD SEPARATION REFERENDUM BUT DENIES FIRST NATIONS RIGHT TO VOTE IN MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS
FORT CHIPEWYAN, AB, May 7, 2025 /CNW/ - Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN) who reside in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and requested to be able to vote in municipal elections were rejected by the UCP Minister of Municipal Affairs Rick McIver, the entire UCP caucus including Minister Brian Jean, and MLA Tany Yao, who represent the region in question. "This vote comes at a critical time as First Nations wonder about the UCP government's commitment to respecting Treaty Rights," said ACFN Chief Allan Adam. "This vote gives you a pretty clear indication of how the UCP intendeds to win a referendum vote to separate from Canada; disenfranchise First Nations that stand in its way." The amendment to allow ACFN voting rights in municipal elections was introduced by NDP MLA for Edmonton West Henday, Brooks Arcand Paul. The amendment was to the Local Authorities Elections Act, which was being reviewed by the Committee of the Whole, is meant to correct a long-standing injustice. Currently 5 First Nations including Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation are nested completely nested within the RMWB, receive municipal service, and are deeply integrated both logistically and politically within the municipality. "Allowing ACFN the right to vote would recognize the reality they face; they are residents of the RMWB", said Chief Adam. The Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation had met with Minister McIver on March 26, 2024 and the issue of municipal voting was again brought up in the legislature on May 28, 2024. Both times Minister McIver said that he would address this problem before the next municipal election. Now he is turning his back on this promise and is instead choosing to allow this discriminatory practice to continue. "This should sound alarms to everyone paying attention to the referendum discussion currently happening in Alberta," said Chief Adam. "The UCP government is trying to pick and choose who gets to vote in this province's future. We call on all Nations, and all Albertans to reject this ploy."
CBC
04-04-2025
- Business
- CBC
First Nation launches legal action over Alberta oilsands cleanup fund
Social Sharing A First Nation in northeast Alberta is challenging the provincial government in court over its approach to ensuring oilsands companies pay to clean up their operations. The Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation filed an application this week for a judicial review of the province's 2024 decision to renew the rules for the Mine Financial Security Program (MFSP), saying it failed to meaningfully consult and is ignoring ACFN's concerns about infringement on Treaty rights. The program collects deposits from energy companies to make sure they cover the cost of remediating oilsands and coal mine sites after they're decommissioned. About a third of ACFN members live in the community of Fort Chipewyan, Alta., downstream from oilsands operations. The ACFN's legal application, filed on April 1, argues the MSFP is "grossly inadequate for achieving its intended purpose," and the province hasn't addressed recommendations and concerns raised during a recent review. "Without a properly funded program, industry will be able to walk away from their leases — leaving the mess behind for First Nations communities to live with," acting ACFN Chief Hazel Mercredi said in a statement. The MFSP was criticized in 2021 by provincial auditor general Doug Wylie, who found that the government holds just $1.5 billion in security on mining liabilities of $31.5 billion. A subsequent report from researchers at the University of Calgary's School of Public Policy in 2023 estimated liabilities at anywhere between $45 billion to $130 billion, with just $2 billion in reserve. Ryan Fournier, press secretary for Environment Minister Rebecca Schulz, told CBC News in a statement that the province made "effective changes" to the MFSP last year. "These were designed to ensure mine operators provide security to cover reclamation without unfairly targeting the energy sector." Fournier said the government is reviewing ACFN's legal action, but can't comment further while it's before the courts. Environmental law organization Ecojustice is representing ACFN. Ecojustice lawyer Matt Hulse said their position is the government is failing in its obligations to ACFN under Treaty 8. "We're also saying the decision is unreasonable because keeping such a flawed program does not actually uphold the purposes of Alberta's environmental legislation." The legal application asks for action including a declaration that the province breached its duty to consult ACFN, and an order to amend the MFSP within six months, addressing the Nation's concerns. It also seeks a judge's order requiring the province provide ACFN "an independently verified estimate of total oilsands liabilities and supporting analysis." The judicial review is scheduled to be heard in the Fort McMurray Court of King's Bench on May 21. ACFN also filed a lawsuit last year against the Alberta Energy Regulator, alleging negligence and a failure to live up to Treaty obligations after multiple tailings leaks at Imperial Oil's Kearl facility.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Acorn Energy Inc (ACFN) Q4 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Revenue Surge and Strategic Moves
Release Date: March 06, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Acorn Energy Inc (ACFN) achieved a 36% increase in revenue and a significant rise in net income to $6.3 million in 2024. The company secured a substantial contract with a leading cell phone provider, contributing to revenue growth and future monitoring service opportunities. Acorn Energy Inc (ACFN) improved its balance sheet, increasing cash reserves to $2.3 million and stockholders' equity to $5.5 million. The company is pursuing an uplisting to the Nasdaq, which could enhance visibility and liquidity of its stock. Acorn Energy Inc (ACFN) is investing in research and development to maintain market leadership and develop new solutions, with plans to launch next-generation products in 2025. The company's gross margin slightly declined due to an increase in hardware revenue, which carries a lower margin than monitoring services. There is uncertainty regarding the full potential of the demand response market, which is still in its early stages and not expected to impact near-term financials. Acorn Energy Inc (ACFN) faces challenges in executing strategic partnerships, as seen with a private equity firm's unsuccessful reseller agreement. The company must navigate potential risks associated with changes in technology, competitive landscape, and economic environment. Acorn Energy Inc (ACFN) needs to manage the complexities of fulfilling large contracts, including potential supply chain and inventory challenges. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 3 Warning Signs with ACFN. Q: Can you clarify the range of units for the large contract with the cell phone provider and how the final number will be determined? A: The final number depends on the purchase orders (POs) we receive from the customer. The range is still between 5,000 to 10,000 units, and the customer has increased their initial order by 40%. The opportunity could potentially double, but it depends on various factors, including the customer's needs at their cell tower sites. - Jan Loeb, CEO Q: What does it mean when you say the pace of hardware shipments will accelerate in the next few quarters? A: Initially, the contract was over a two-year period, but the customer wants to expedite the process and complete it within a year. We are working to meet this accelerated timeline. - Jan Loeb, CEO Q: Are your inventory levels and supply chain efficient enough to meet the increased demand for hardware? A: Yes, we believe our inventory levels and supply chain are adequate to meet the current demand. We have been preparing since the contract was signed in June 2024 and have regular communication with the customer to understand their needs. - Jan Loeb, CEO Q: With the acceleration in hardware growth, should we expect an increase in monitoring revenue as well? A: Yes, there should be an increase in monitoring revenue. However, hardware is significantly more expensive than annual monitoring, so the hardware revenue will always appear larger. - Jan Loeb, CEO Q: Can you provide more details on the potential Nasdaq uplisting and its timing? A: We aim to complete the uplisting by June 30th, but it depends on the requirements set by Nasdaq. We will keep shareholders updated on the progress. - Jan Loeb, CEO Q: Is there any update on the demand response initiative and when it might start contributing significantly to revenue? A: Demand response is still in its early stages, and even grid operators are figuring out the logistics. While we are well-positioned for this opportunity, it is not expected to impact our numbers in the near future. - Jan Loeb, CEO Q: Does the opportunity for white-label agreements with generator manufacturers still exist? A: Yes, the opportunity still exists, but we cannot provide specific details on its size or timeline. - Jan Loeb, CEO Q: Can you explain the impact of deferred revenue on your financials, particularly regarding hardware and monitoring? A: Deferred revenue for monitoring will continue to fluctuate as it is amortized over the service period. Hardware revenue is recognized upon shipment and is unlikely to change after being fully amortized. - Tracy Clifford, CFO For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd (CNQ) Q4 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Record Production and ...
Annual Production: Record annual total production of approximately 1.36 million BOEs per day, including record liquids production of over 1 million barrels per day. Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading Production: Record annual production of 472,245 barrels per day and record quarterly production of 534,631 barrels per day. Operating Costs: Oil sands mining and upgraded operating costs averaged $22.88 per barrel in 2024 and $20.97 per barrel in Q4. Thermal In Situ Production: Record production averaging just over 271,000 barrels per day, a 3% increase over 2023. Thermal In Situ Operating Costs: Averaged $11.04 per barrel, down 16% compared to 2023. Primary Heavy Oil Production: Averaged approximately 79,100 barrels per day, a 2% increase over 2023. Primary Heavy Oil Operating Costs: Averaged $18.11 per barrel, down 9% from 2023. North American Light Crude Oil and NGL Production: Averaged approximately 114,400 barrels per day, a 5% increase compared to 2023. North American Natural Gas Production: Averaged 2.14 BCF in 2024, comparable to 2023. Adjusted Funds Flow: Annual adjusted funds flow of $14.9 billion, including Q4 '24 adjusted funds flow of $4.2 billion. Capital Program: Approximately $100 million under budget of $5.3 billion. Returns to Shareholders: Approximately $7.1 billion returned to shareholders in 2024. Dividend Increase: Quarterly dividend increased twice in 2024, with a further 4% increase subsequent to year-end. Debt Metrics: Debt-to-EBITDA at 1.1 times and debt-to-book capital at 32% at the end of 2024. Liquidity: Liquidity at the end of the quarter was approximately $4.7 billion. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 3 Warning Signs with ACFN. Release Date: March 06, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Canadian Natural Resources Ltd (NYSE:CNQ) achieved record annual total production of approximately 1.36 million BOEs per day in 2024, including record liquids production of over 1 million barrels per day. The company returned over $11 per share to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, with a 59% increase in annualized quarterly dividend. Canadian Natural Resources Ltd (NYSE:CNQ) completed strategic acquisitions, including Chevron's assets, adding significant reserves and production capacity. The company reported strong financial results with an annual adjusted funds flow of $14.9 billion and significant free cash flow, allowing for increased shareholder returns. Canadian Natural Resources Ltd (NYSE:CNQ) maintained industry-leading low operating costs, with oil sands mining and upgrading costs averaging $22.88 per barrel in 2024. The company faces challenges in obtaining approvals for large projects in Canada, which could impact future growth opportunities. There is uncertainty regarding the impact of tariffs on WCS pricing and how much of the cost will be absorbed by producers versus consumers. Canadian Natural Resources Ltd (NYSE:CNQ) has deferred certain dry natural gas activities due to lower natural gas prices, impacting potential production growth. The North Sea operations are expected to continue winding down, with no plans for further capital investment in the region. The company must navigate political and market uncertainties, including currency fluctuations and potential changes in fiscal regimes, which could affect financial performance. Q: What impact do the Shell swap and Chevron acquisitions have on shareholder returns and organic growth at AOSP? A: Scott Stauth, President: The acquisitions add 93,000 barrels per day of production, significantly contributing to free cash flow and shareholder payment programs. There are existing approvals for Jackpine mine expansion and license capacity availability for further growth opportunities at Albian mine. Q: Are the accelerated thermal developments part of a larger strategy? A: Scott Stauth, President: The acceleration is due to continuous improvement practices. Each project benefits from learnings of previous ones, allowing for earlier completions, but it's part of our standard improvement process. Q: What options are available if production exceeds Scotford upgrader capacity? A: Scott Stauth, President: The next step would likely involve paraffinic treat opportunities to move additional bitumen barrels to market, ensuring the upgrader remains full while expanding capacity. Q: How do you view the Eco prices over the next 18 to 24 months with LNG projects ramping up? A: Scott Stauth, President: Prices are expected to rise by 2026 with LNG Canada coming online. The focus will remain on liquids-rich gas areas like Montney and Duvernay, with market conservatism on pricing. Q: How does the company plan to utilize the 70,000 barrels per day of unused thermal processing capacity? A: Scott Stauth, President: The focus is on pad additions and solvent implementation, primarily in the Primrose/Wolf Lake area, to maximize steam plant capacity and enhance production. Q: What are the implications of the Chevron acquisition on tax pools and cash taxes in 2025? A: Mark Stainthorpe, CFO: The acquisition generates tax pools, impacting taxes as seen in Q4, but specific guidance on tax pools is not provided. Q: How do you view the potential for expanding the Jackpine mine by 100,000 barrels per day? A: Scott Stauth, President: The expansion is approved and can be integrated into the capital allocation model. The decision will depend on pricing, egress, and carbon capture considerations. Q: How do you assess the breakeven for incremental investments in a flat oil price environment? A: Scott Stauth, President: Incremental projects have low breakeven costs due to existing infrastructure, offering the best capital efficiencies and returns, making them a priority in any investment environment. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Sign in to access your portfolio
