Here we are the great "energy warehouse" hydro-powerhouse - and yet?
There they are - the little Northern Nation of Iceland humming along with half our population and resources.
So what's new?
The Icelandic company Even has purchased, and in the next few months
intends to set up, 200 new express electric-car charging stations around
the country.
According to plans outlined by the government, 10 percent of cars
should rely on sustainable fuels by 2020. Currently, however, it is not
very practical to own an electric car in Iceland as there are very few
charging stations, most of them located in the capital area.
Oh yes they are even complaining because they are behind Norway - you know the land of Statoil of which Danny Williams thinks Nalcor is like.
As of May 2014, a total of 30,319 plug-in electric vehicles
have been registered in Norway, of which, 95% are all-electric
vehicles. The registered plug-in electric fleet consists of 28,827 all-electric passenger and light-duty vehicles, and 1,492 plug-in hybrids.
From September 2013 to March 2014, five times an electric car has ranked as the top selling new car in the country. The Tesla Model S has been the top selling new car three times, twice in 2013, first in September and again in December.
AND Among the existing government incentives, all-electric cars are exempt in Norway from all non-recurring vehicle fees, including purchase taxes...
Did we have a chance to be in on this action? You bet we did. What did we do about it? Nothing! The partisan brains allow only partisan activity. They will drive Steve Kent or his supporters to robo vote on a VOCM poll - diligent, fervent, and maniacal interest in that - while opportunities pass us by.
Innovation? I think not. So as we lose and lose more business interests in our province - somehow the nation of Iceland keeps plugging into this innovation.
In Newfoundland and Labrador - our government is still trying to figure out how to keep the power on. We have the physical resources but we lack the visionary leadership to do anything but give them away.
As we have learned this week - companies know how to suck the money out of this government and use it to advance themselves without regard for the people who financed them...
Showing posts with label Iceland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Iceland. Show all posts
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Goodbye Canada and Corruption - Hello Iceland
A lesson from Iceland - I have added bolding to areas of the Story.
You must love the People First approach.
Iceland with half our population and less natural resources - they are doing fine.
Iceland’s economy suffered a meltdown in 2008, with its banks defaulting on $85 billion. In 2009 its citizens took to the streets and demanded action from the government against those they saw as responsible for the crisis. The government responded, putting people before markets, and now Iceland’s economy is outgrowing the euro one and, on average, the developed world.
Bloomberg reported that after it was determined in October 2008 that the banks could not be saved, the government intervened. It ring-fenced domestic accounts and shut out international creditors. Iceland’s central bank prevented the sell off of krona through capital controls, and new banks were created that were controlled by the state. Then the government and the state-controlled banks agreed that amounts in excess of 110% of home values would be forgiven on mortgages.
The country’s supreme court also ruled in 2010 that debts indexed to foreign currencies were illegal, which saved households from having to cover losses resulting from drops in the value of the krona.
An Icelandic Financial Services Association report cited by Bloomberg pointed out that the country’s banks have forgiven loans amounting to 13% of Iceland’s GDP. That lessened the debt load of the population.
Lars Christensen, chief emerging markets economist at Danske Bank in Copenhagen, was quoted saying, “You could safely say that Iceland holds the world record in household debt relief. Iceland followed the textbook example of what is required in a crisis. Any economist would agree with that.”
Not only that, but the cost to insure against an Icelandic default is about the same as to insure against a credit event in Belgium. And Icelanders are no longer eager to join the eurozone. Most would rather stay solo. Housing as an element of the consumer price index is only down about 3% from what it was in September 2008, just prior to the collapse.
Fitch Ratings just last week also conceded that Iceland’s approach has worked, raising the country’s rating to investment grade with a stable outlook. At the time it said that Iceland’s “unorthodox crisis policy response has succeeded.”
Thorolfur Matthiasson, an economics professor at the University of Iceland in Reykjavik, was quoted saying, “The lesson to be learned from Iceland’s crisis is that if other countries think it’s necessary to write down debts, they should look at how successful the 110% agreement was here. It’s the broadest agreement that’s been undertaken.”
According to Christensen at Danske Bank, “the bottom line is that if households are insolvent, then the banks just have to go along with it, regardless of the interests of the banks.”
You must love the People First approach.
Iceland with half our population and less natural resources - they are doing fine.
Icelandic Economy Bounces Back From Brink
Debt relief put people’s needs ahead of markets
Iceland’s economy suffered a meltdown in 2008, with its banks defaulting on $85 billion. In 2009 its citizens took to the streets and demanded action from the government against those they saw as responsible for the crisis. The government responded, putting people before markets, and now Iceland’s economy is outgrowing the euro one and, on average, the developed world.
Bloomberg reported that after it was determined in October 2008 that the banks could not be saved, the government intervened. It ring-fenced domestic accounts and shut out international creditors. Iceland’s central bank prevented the sell off of krona through capital controls, and new banks were created that were controlled by the state. Then the government and the state-controlled banks agreed that amounts in excess of 110% of home values would be forgiven on mortgages.
The country’s supreme court also ruled in 2010 that debts indexed to foreign currencies were illegal, which saved households from having to cover losses resulting from drops in the value of the krona.
An Icelandic Financial Services Association report cited by Bloomberg pointed out that the country’s banks have forgiven loans amounting to 13% of Iceland’s GDP. That lessened the debt load of the population.
In addition, the government is investigating, and prosecuting,
numerous prominent figures from the meltdown. Currently more than 200
face criminal charges and a special prosecutor has said as many as 90
may be indicted.
Lars Christensen, chief emerging markets economist at Danske Bank in Copenhagen, was quoted saying, “You could safely say that Iceland holds the world record in household debt relief. Iceland followed the textbook example of what is required in a crisis. Any economist would agree with that.”
The result? According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation
and Development, Iceland’s economy is in line to expand 2.4% both this
year and next, after growth of 2.9% last year and in the wake of
shrinkage of 6.7% in 2009. In contrast, the OECD estimated in November
that the euro area will only expand by 0.2% and the OECD area by 1.6% in
2012.
Not only that, but the cost to insure against an Icelandic default is about the same as to insure against a credit event in Belgium. And Icelanders are no longer eager to join the eurozone. Most would rather stay solo. Housing as an element of the consumer price index is only down about 3% from what it was in September 2008, just prior to the collapse.
Fitch Ratings just last week also conceded that Iceland’s approach has worked, raising the country’s rating to investment grade with a stable outlook. At the time it said that Iceland’s “unorthodox crisis policy response has succeeded.”
Thorolfur Matthiasson, an economics professor at the University of Iceland in Reykjavik, was quoted saying, “The lesson to be learned from Iceland’s crisis is that if other countries think it’s necessary to write down debts, they should look at how successful the 110% agreement was here. It’s the broadest agreement that’s been undertaken.”
According to Christensen at Danske Bank, “the bottom line is that if households are insolvent, then the banks just have to go along with it, regardless of the interests of the banks.”
Friday, October 21, 2011
Iceland continues to Move Forward - our MHA`s should complete Orientation there!
From Iceland Review
In the third quarter of 2011, 10,700 people on average were unemployed in Iceland, which is 5.9 percent of the workforce, according to Statistics Iceland. Unemployment measured 5.6 percent among men and 6.2 percent among women.
From the third quarter of 2010 to the second quarter of 2011, the number of unemployed workers dropped by approximately 1,000...
Monday, October 17, 2011
Iceland's Fishery gets Thor - we get Harper and Dunderdale
Ahh to be free from the chains that bind us.
Below please read a story from FishUpdate Magazine published today.
THE Thor, Iceland's new super fishery protection ship, has begun the 14,000 mile journey from the shipyard in Chile, where it was built, to its new base near Reykjavik.
Sailing through the Panama Canal and calling at Boston in the United States and Halifax, Canada on the way she is expected to arrive in Iceland towards the end of the month.
The new Thor has been under construction since 2007 and will become the flagship of the Icelandic Coastguard's fishery protection which includes three other vessels, two helicopters and a surveillance aircraft.
The fleet's job is two-fold - to combat illegal fishing, along with general policing of the seas, and to provide a search and rescue service for fishing vessels that might get into difficulties. The Icelandic Coastguard - its motto is "Always Prepared" - was first established in the 1920s to monitor the country's fishing limits which were then just three miles from shore.
For veteran trawlermen in Grimsby, Hull and Aberdeen, the name "Thor" will have an older resonance. It was an earlier Iceland gunboat called the Thor which clashed with British trawlers and Royal Navy frigates during the cod wars of the 1970s. The gunboat would get in close to try to cut the nets of the British trawlers during a long series of fishing dispute. On one occasion it even opened fire on a British fishery support ship. After that episode the Royal Navy was called in to offer protection to the trawler fleet.
Iceland did offer Britain a 65,000 annual catch quota, but this was rejected by the UK fishing industry and the government (which included the then Foreign Secretary Anthony Crosland, who was also the MP for Grimsby) who wanted a 110,000 ton quota. The dispute ended in eventual defeat for British fishermen when Iceland won its fight for a 200 mile limit.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Paddy Cake Paddy Cake - Show me the Proof - Iceland fishery - aluminum Booming
Paddy Daly - "Iceland is Bankrupt"
Will he withdraw the statement?
Will he withdraw the statement?
Read the Story below of today's date from the Fish Update Publication
Iceland fish exports on rise
Published: 26 September, 2011
ICELAND exported fish and seafood products to the world totalling 647 million euros - or £569 million sterling - during the first six months of this year, new figures have shown.
Seafood now accounts 37 per cent of the country's total exports which amounted to 1.729-billion euros - or £1.5 billion sterling. But the biggest foreign revenue earner is still high value aluminium and ferro silicon. Iceland also earns revenue for the export of ships, fishing vessels and agricultural products.
In other statistics the value of fish catches by Icelandic vessels increased by 13.7 per cent last year from 2009. The value of the catch amounted to 131-billion kroners (£698 million sterling or 621-million euros) in 2010, compared to 115-billion kroners (£613-million or 537-million euros the a year before.
This increase can largely be attributed to the country's most valuable fish stock, cod, since the value of this catch increased by a fifth and amounted to a total value of 44.6 billion kroners (£245-million or 200-million euros) last year. Cod catches were up by 10,000 tons to 160,000 tons, thanks to higher quotas.
Moreover, the value of pelagic catches other than herring, capelin and blue whiting almost doubled last year from the year before and this was largely due to the increased fishing of mackerel. About 40 per cent of the catch went directly from being fished into domestic processing last year.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Should Dunderdale and Harper be called before the Landsdomur? Could they be charged?
I want a Landsdomur!
This is not a new dog breed or even an exotic sports car.
A Landsdomur is a special criminal court to deal with charges against Iclandic Parliamentary Ministers.
Iceland's parliament, the Althingi, voted in September to indict former Prime Minister Haarde for allegedly failing to prevent the 2008 financial crisis that sparked protests, toppled the government and brought the economy to a standstill.
The first count of the indictment accuses Haarde of failing to initiate measures, legislation or instructions between February and October 2008 "for the purpose of avoiding foreseeable danger to the fortunes of the state."
The second count accuses Haarde of failing to uphold his duty under the constitution to hold ministerial meetings on important issues.
Just imagine the charges that might have been laid on the Upper Churchill deal or perhaps other resource deals in our past. Clyde Wells perhaps on his decision to privatize hydro - although it did not happen - it cost the taxpayers tens of millions of dollars for the Premier to push that outrageous policy.
Kathy Dunderdale and her handling of Lower Churchill - and the meetings she should be having and the necessary precautions she is not taking. Our premier's behavior relative to Prime Minister Harper and how that may harm our future. Perhaps we could charge a dozen or so on the fishery collapse and the hardship it has caused our province and her people.
Just imagine what Stephen Harper could be charged with!
Yes I want a Landsdomur - What do you think?
Read story press HERE
This is not a new dog breed or even an exotic sports car.
A Landsdomur is a special criminal court to deal with charges against Iclandic Parliamentary Ministers.
Iceland's parliament, the Althingi, voted in September to indict former Prime Minister Haarde for allegedly failing to prevent the 2008 financial crisis that sparked protests, toppled the government and brought the economy to a standstill.
The first count of the indictment accuses Haarde of failing to initiate measures, legislation or instructions between February and October 2008 "for the purpose of avoiding foreseeable danger to the fortunes of the state."
The second count accuses Haarde of failing to uphold his duty under the constitution to hold ministerial meetings on important issues.
Just imagine the charges that might have been laid on the Upper Churchill deal or perhaps other resource deals in our past. Clyde Wells perhaps on his decision to privatize hydro - although it did not happen - it cost the taxpayers tens of millions of dollars for the Premier to push that outrageous policy.
Kathy Dunderdale and her handling of Lower Churchill - and the meetings she should be having and the necessary precautions she is not taking. Our premier's behavior relative to Prime Minister Harper and how that may harm our future. Perhaps we could charge a dozen or so on the fishery collapse and the hardship it has caused our province and her people.
Just imagine what Stephen Harper could be charged with!
Yes I want a Landsdomur - What do you think?
Read story press HERE
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Fish and Chips - Shame on us and shame on you Dunderdale and Harper
The head of Iceland’s Marine Research Institute (Hafro) says that stock measurements indicate the country’s cod stock is getting stronger.
The headline above says it all - in a country where fishing activities remains the single biggest economic activity. So I guess taking real action in the past - regarding foreign fleets and the protection of their livelihood is paying off.
What a sad reflection of Canada and our provincial governments. You think maybe someday we will feel the pride of being our own nation or even just feeling pride - and do what's necessary to protect the future of our children.
Shame on us!
With all due respect to Gus Etchegary, Dr. Phil Earle and others - the time for study and inquiries is over. Sue the federal government for mismanagement, the loss of our fishery, communities and tens of thousands of people. Is McCurdy still trying to get a buy-out package? What a disgrace we will be in the eyes of future generations.
The headline above says it all - in a country where fishing activities remains the single biggest economic activity. So I guess taking real action in the past - regarding foreign fleets and the protection of their livelihood is paying off.
What a sad reflection of Canada and our provincial governments. You think maybe someday we will feel the pride of being our own nation or even just feeling pride - and do what's necessary to protect the future of our children.
Shame on us!
With all due respect to Gus Etchegary, Dr. Phil Earle and others - the time for study and inquiries is over. Sue the federal government for mismanagement, the loss of our fishery, communities and tens of thousands of people. Is McCurdy still trying to get a buy-out package? What a disgrace we will be in the eyes of future generations.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Yet another aluminum smelter for Iceland?
Here we go again - this time Norsk Hydro is looking at establishing an aluminum smelter in Iceland.
Chief executive of Norsk Hydro Eivind Reiten made the following quotes found in a story at CNN Money:
Hard to know Premier which one to cheer on - Norsk Hydro or Iceland - or both. What I do know is that Labrador power should be available for industry in Labrador - instead of committing it to 3 million Ontario homes!
Give it up boys - there is too much evidence that aluminum is following renewable cost-competitive hydro - where as the politicians in Newfoundland and Labrador are following Danny's experts into the abyss.
Anybody going to give Reiten a call - he's bent on being an international player in aluminum production and is committed to major expansion. Yoo Hoo - is anybody home?
Chief executive of Norsk Hydro Eivind Reiten made the following quotes found in a story at CNN Money:
Reiten told a press briefing in Olso that his aluminium group is bent on becoming a major international player and will be focusing on major expansion of capacity in years to come.
What I can confirm is that we are having a dialogue with a power company in Iceland regarding opportunities in Iceland,' Reiten said. He said Iceland is still one of the places where energy is freely available for such a smelter.
Iceland is a good place to be.
Hard to know Premier which one to cheer on - Norsk Hydro or Iceland - or both. What I do know is that Labrador power should be available for industry in Labrador - instead of committing it to 3 million Ontario homes!
Give it up boys - there is too much evidence that aluminum is following renewable cost-competitive hydro - where as the politicians in Newfoundland and Labrador are following Danny's experts into the abyss.
Anybody going to give Reiten a call - he's bent on being an international player in aluminum production and is committed to major expansion. Yoo Hoo - is anybody home?
Friday, September 28, 2007
Iceland toSecure Rights on Continental Shelf (News Bytes)
Read the story in the Iceland Review HERE
Here's a couple of paragraphs to get you started...
In less than two years Iceland has to submit a report to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS), which will then estimate reports from all nations claiming rights to the continental shelf in question and propose how it should be divided.
Iceland automatically has the rights to an area of the continental shelf limited by 200 nautical miles around the island, but can, under certain natural circumstances, claim rights to other parts of the continental shelf as well.
Here's a couple of paragraphs to get you started...
In less than two years Iceland has to submit a report to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS), which will then estimate reports from all nations claiming rights to the continental shelf in question and propose how it should be divided.
Iceland automatically has the rights to an area of the continental shelf limited by 200 nautical miles around the island, but can, under certain natural circumstances, claim rights to other parts of the continental shelf as well.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Industry will come to Island using Labrador power!
I am listening carefully to the politicians - particularly the Premier - squirm when asked questions on the Lower Churchill project. Labradorians are pretty aggressive when it comes to this resource - and certainly have good reason to be.
Let's deal with the Straits - first of all part of this problem was caused by the MHA Yvonne Jones and her weak position during the initial discussion on the energy plan. Sue's Blog pointed out that concern on January 12 and January 29 2007. Please review the posts - and you will note that Yvonne was advised that the Lower Churchill plans should not have moved one inch until the energy plan was released and secondly when asked about the use of energy in Labrador and the pending energy plan - Jones pointed out she wanted subsidies for thermal generation.
Now the "Plan" is out and it shows a power line to the Island while Yvonne's district stays on thermal generation.
Danny for his part says it's too expensive to bring the line to the region - but when there is an industry that wants it - well then that's different.
Let's use logic - if the line comes to the Island while regions of Labrador are not inter-connected where do you think industry will seek to go? In other words - there goes the horse again and we forgot to close to barn door. Further Cartwright - L'Anse au Clair has hydro potential that could play a role in Danny's "energy warehouse" but where is that in the plan?
It is a little more than embarrassing Premier that this area of Labrador gets some of its power from Quebec.
The vision has to be Labrador first on this power - and industrial development in the big land. If you used one tenth of the cash that it would take to connect the Island and used it to attract industry in Labrador - that vision could become a reality.
As long as we keep talking about powering a million homes in Ontario and removing all the thermal generation on the Island while whole regions of Labrador are not connected - Joey's vision lives on.
There is no evidence that Labrador could not be as successful as Iceland with respect to energy for industry. Oil is over $80 bucks now right? "Green" agreements and treaties are the order of the day - yet not one of our politicians can see the watts through the trees. That ladies and gentlemen has been and is our biggest failure.
While we wallow in a sea of incompetence - Iceland has now announced it will be eliminating all fossil fuel use through hydrogen cars and then by converting the fishing fleet. Oh that's right - they still have fish. I'm sure that's the next topic.
Let's deal with the Straits - first of all part of this problem was caused by the MHA Yvonne Jones and her weak position during the initial discussion on the energy plan. Sue's Blog pointed out that concern on January 12 and January 29 2007. Please review the posts - and you will note that Yvonne was advised that the Lower Churchill plans should not have moved one inch until the energy plan was released and secondly when asked about the use of energy in Labrador and the pending energy plan - Jones pointed out she wanted subsidies for thermal generation.
Now the "Plan" is out and it shows a power line to the Island while Yvonne's district stays on thermal generation.
Danny for his part says it's too expensive to bring the line to the region - but when there is an industry that wants it - well then that's different.
Let's use logic - if the line comes to the Island while regions of Labrador are not inter-connected where do you think industry will seek to go? In other words - there goes the horse again and we forgot to close to barn door. Further Cartwright - L'Anse au Clair has hydro potential that could play a role in Danny's "energy warehouse" but where is that in the plan?
It is a little more than embarrassing Premier that this area of Labrador gets some of its power from Quebec.
The vision has to be Labrador first on this power - and industrial development in the big land. If you used one tenth of the cash that it would take to connect the Island and used it to attract industry in Labrador - that vision could become a reality.
As long as we keep talking about powering a million homes in Ontario and removing all the thermal generation on the Island while whole regions of Labrador are not connected - Joey's vision lives on.
There is no evidence that Labrador could not be as successful as Iceland with respect to energy for industry. Oil is over $80 bucks now right? "Green" agreements and treaties are the order of the day - yet not one of our politicians can see the watts through the trees. That ladies and gentlemen has been and is our biggest failure.
While we wallow in a sea of incompetence - Iceland has now announced it will be eliminating all fossil fuel use through hydrogen cars and then by converting the fishing fleet. Oh that's right - they still have fish. I'm sure that's the next topic.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
How Colonial can they be?
Danny wants to hightail Lower Churchill Power to the Island - but believes it is too expensive to service areas of Labrador. Gerry wants to exploit all Labrador resources - and give them some of the revenue back.
Both are colonial - both are backward - both are experiencing Island disease - and both are wrong.
The Lower Churchill power must be used to develop Labrador - industrially - in that way Labrador can benefit from population growth - a booming economy - infrastructure development - and municipal revenues.
Here's the tough part for St. John's or Carbonear - the boys want to export the power - grab the money - and pass some back to Labrador for what they (Gerry and Danny) thinks Labrador needs.
They prefer to receive more money and let the industry - jobs - and people go to Ontario - than - receive less money and grow industry in Labrador and keep Newfoundlanders and Labradorians home. Even this colonial attitude is wrong - because mathematically - for a "society" not a "cable monopoly" it is best to use the power home.
Danny does not expect you to read the Blue Book - he just wants you to adore and follow him - blinders are in the mail. Gerry thinks all red books end up in the "trunks of cars" and that nobody really wants to read that stuff anyway.
Maybe the two gurus can much on these tasty bits from the "energy for industry" world. (That's the one everybody else lives in but us)
These statements from a story in the Gulf News out of the Middle East:
And then there is this from the The Wall Street Journal Online:
The only thing missing in these stories is a direct reference to Labrador - that is because neither the Tory nor Liberal leader have the guts and/or intelligence to do what is right with Lower Churchill power - if it is to be developed at all.
I expect there is a good reason Norsk Hydro and other Norwegian firms visit Sue's Blog - don't you think?
Both are colonial - both are backward - both are experiencing Island disease - and both are wrong.
The Lower Churchill power must be used to develop Labrador - industrially - in that way Labrador can benefit from population growth - a booming economy - infrastructure development - and municipal revenues.
Here's the tough part for St. John's or Carbonear - the boys want to export the power - grab the money - and pass some back to Labrador for what they (Gerry and Danny) thinks Labrador needs.
They prefer to receive more money and let the industry - jobs - and people go to Ontario - than - receive less money and grow industry in Labrador and keep Newfoundlanders and Labradorians home. Even this colonial attitude is wrong - because mathematically - for a "society" not a "cable monopoly" it is best to use the power home.
Danny does not expect you to read the Blue Book - he just wants you to adore and follow him - blinders are in the mail. Gerry thinks all red books end up in the "trunks of cars" and that nobody really wants to read that stuff anyway.
Maybe the two gurus can much on these tasty bits from the "energy for industry" world. (That's the one everybody else lives in but us)
These statements from a story in the Gulf News out of the Middle East:
The world is currently experiencing a shrinkage in the number of 'power islands' able to competitively support energy intensive industries such as aluminium production. In recent times, new power supply contracts at considerably higher prices in the United States and parts of Western Europe have resulted in a number of smelter output reductions and permanent closures.
In the future, new aluminium smelting capacity is expected to be concentrated in areas such as the Middle East, Russia, Iceland and South America.
And then there is this from the The Wall Street Journal Online:
With energy prices steadily increasing, the world's biggest aluminum companies are investing heavily to secure dedicated power sources, at times buying local power plants or building aluminum-making operations in remote parts of the world where energy is more abundant and cheaper.
United Co. Rusal, Alcoa Inc., Norsk Hydro ASA and others are jockeying to corner supplies of hydro power in Siberia and Iceland, and cheap natural gas in the Middle East, to fuel new metal plants. The producers are acknowledging that it is more important to be closer to energy sources than to customers...
The only thing missing in these stories is a direct reference to Labrador - that is because neither the Tory nor Liberal leader have the guts and/or intelligence to do what is right with Lower Churchill power - if it is to be developed at all.
I expect there is a good reason Norsk Hydro and other Norwegian firms visit Sue's Blog - don't you think?
Monday, September 10, 2007
Iceland Exports geo-thermal expertise not energy...
Sue's Blog is always harping on the importance of using hydro to attract industry. Many times I use Iceland as an example - develop hydro for industrial development.
Then the usual critic from Labrador suggests that Iceland has to use it there - as it is an island. Lucky them - too bad Labrador was continentally connected during the Upper Churchill fiasco.
Of course the important point to be made - that industry will follow superior energy supply - thus Iceland has aluminum smelters - we do not. If we placed into law that export of Lower Churchill power cannot be achieved without approval of the House of Assembly - industry may start treating Labrador as an island. They will develop industry in Labrador from Labrador based power supply.
The other issue associated with energy mega-projects is technology intelligence and expertise. Hydro-Quebec has done this for years by exporting their knowledge - while taking a piece of the action in other countries developing hydro resources. This has been a very lucrative proposition for that province and its crown owned utility and the benefits achieved did not require the export of any generation.
Now - Iceland is also utilizing this opportunity by exporting expertise in geo-thermal supply. Iceland along with Norway are taking advantage of the thirst of Americans to find new sources of energy.
Glitnir said Wednesday it's planning to invest up to $ 40 billion in geothermal energy projects in North America by 2025 as the Nordic financial group eyes growth in the business of harnessing heat from the earth to produce electricity.
The firm is readying a formal announcement of a financing deal of more than $ 10 million behind Iceland America Energy Inc., a geothermal specialist with a deal to provide energy to PG&E (PGE) through the Truckhaven project in California, Magnusson said.
Glitner - Iceland's investment bank which has paved the way in the past for fisheries financing - offshore vessel financing - and energy projects has grown to an international company with offices world-wide. The goal now - to take advantage of others renewable resources - by providing financing - while Iceland America:
Iceland America Energy, through its Icelandic shareholder Enex, brings world class technical expertise and over 70 years experience in geothermal energy to the US and Canadian market. Enex, hf, a 50% owner of IAE, is a consortium composed of every significant Icelandic entity, both public and private, which comprise its geothermal industry. In late 2004 Enex joined with three domestic companies, Geolectric Power LLC, Feanaro LLC and DLFC Lawyers to form IAE.
Here we sit - with one of the most successful(technically)hydro-projects in the world - the Upper Churchill - and another on the way with the Lower Churchill and we do none of this.
Both Quebec and Iceland use their renewable energy resources for major industrial developments and their expertise for global developments. They both also finance projects in many countries and deliver the financial bacon home.
We need new vision - a new direction - and some sense of real value of the resources we have. If a government cannot deliver these types of benefits to Labrador let the river flow.
Then the usual critic from Labrador suggests that Iceland has to use it there - as it is an island. Lucky them - too bad Labrador was continentally connected during the Upper Churchill fiasco.
Of course the important point to be made - that industry will follow superior energy supply - thus Iceland has aluminum smelters - we do not. If we placed into law that export of Lower Churchill power cannot be achieved without approval of the House of Assembly - industry may start treating Labrador as an island. They will develop industry in Labrador from Labrador based power supply.
The other issue associated with energy mega-projects is technology intelligence and expertise. Hydro-Quebec has done this for years by exporting their knowledge - while taking a piece of the action in other countries developing hydro resources. This has been a very lucrative proposition for that province and its crown owned utility and the benefits achieved did not require the export of any generation.
Now - Iceland is also utilizing this opportunity by exporting expertise in geo-thermal supply. Iceland along with Norway are taking advantage of the thirst of Americans to find new sources of energy.
Glitnir said Wednesday it's planning to invest up to $ 40 billion in geothermal energy projects in North America by 2025 as the Nordic financial group eyes growth in the business of harnessing heat from the earth to produce electricity.
The firm is readying a formal announcement of a financing deal of more than $ 10 million behind Iceland America Energy Inc., a geothermal specialist with a deal to provide energy to PG&E (PGE) through the Truckhaven project in California, Magnusson said.
Glitner - Iceland's investment bank which has paved the way in the past for fisheries financing - offshore vessel financing - and energy projects has grown to an international company with offices world-wide. The goal now - to take advantage of others renewable resources - by providing financing - while Iceland America:
Iceland America Energy, through its Icelandic shareholder Enex, brings world class technical expertise and over 70 years experience in geothermal energy to the US and Canadian market. Enex, hf, a 50% owner of IAE, is a consortium composed of every significant Icelandic entity, both public and private, which comprise its geothermal industry. In late 2004 Enex joined with three domestic companies, Geolectric Power LLC, Feanaro LLC and DLFC Lawyers to form IAE.
Here we sit - with one of the most successful(technically)hydro-projects in the world - the Upper Churchill - and another on the way with the Lower Churchill and we do none of this.
Both Quebec and Iceland use their renewable energy resources for major industrial developments and their expertise for global developments. They both also finance projects in many countries and deliver the financial bacon home.
We need new vision - a new direction - and some sense of real value of the resources we have. If a government cannot deliver these types of benefits to Labrador let the river flow.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Hey Premier Iceland oil refinery - with no oil...
What should we use our energy for? Hmmm - that's a tough one. Iceland has now attracted American and Russian investors to build an oil refinery there.
They have no oil and gas but - what the heck - they have ELECTRICITY.
Of the 500 - 700 jobs it will create at least 1/5th will require a university degree. But no problem there either. I am sure they can attract some of our graduates.
The environmental review is set for September with the refinery expected to be up and running within a few years.
And because they are always planning one of the proponents says:
Don't you wonder about the Premier's apparent ignorance.
They have no oil and gas but - what the heck - they have ELECTRICITY.
Of the 500 - 700 jobs it will create at least 1/5th will require a university degree. But no problem there either. I am sure they can attract some of our graduates.
The environmental review is set for September with the refinery expected to be up and running within a few years.
And because they are always planning one of the proponents says:
"The process of refining oil causes pollution, but the organizers of the project claim that the fuel produced is cleaner than the fuel which is imported to Iceland, so once Iceland’s car and ship fleet would use the fuel produced in the oil refinery, the total pollution in Iceland would be reduced."
Don't you wonder about the Premier's apparent ignorance.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
About time our leader visitied...Geir Haarde touches down
Here's the announcement:
The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will meet with Icelandic Prime Minister, Geir H. Haarde, during his visit to Newfoundland and Labrador on Tuesday, July 31. Following the meeting Premier Williams and Prime Minister Haarde will hold a media availability at 11:30 a.m. in the Media Centre, East Block, Confederation Building.
This marks the first visit to Newfoundland and Labrador for Prime Minister Haarde.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Now let me carry on from there.
Prime Minister of Iceland Geir Haarde is visiting Newfoundland and Labrador for one day - on his way home from a weekend of activities in Nova Scotia.
Seems only appropriate that the Province (NS) and Nation (Iceland) that are gobbling up our FPI and fishery assets - get together have a party and kick us in the arse on the way out. Let's get a photo-op and a handshake.
Oh and Danny maybe you should check to see if we can build a tunnel to Iceland to giveaway the Lower Churchill hydro-electric power to them. At least they know what to do with it.
I guess we won't give him a basket of fish - I think he's already got one.
The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will meet with Icelandic Prime Minister, Geir H. Haarde, during his visit to Newfoundland and Labrador on Tuesday, July 31. Following the meeting Premier Williams and Prime Minister Haarde will hold a media availability at 11:30 a.m. in the Media Centre, East Block, Confederation Building.
This marks the first visit to Newfoundland and Labrador for Prime Minister Haarde.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Now let me carry on from there.
Prime Minister of Iceland Geir Haarde is visiting Newfoundland and Labrador for one day - on his way home from a weekend of activities in Nova Scotia.
Seems only appropriate that the Province (NS) and Nation (Iceland) that are gobbling up our FPI and fishery assets - get together have a party and kick us in the arse on the way out. Let's get a photo-op and a handshake.
Oh and Danny maybe you should check to see if we can build a tunnel to Iceland to giveaway the Lower Churchill hydro-electric power to them. At least they know what to do with it.
I guess we won't give him a basket of fish - I think he's already got one.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Ignorance and no Leadership will keep us in Poverty.
While we are rich in natural resources - we are poor in knowledge.
This harms us terribly.
Morris (Maurice) Budgell was on with Randy Simms this morning talking about natural resources - developments - giveaways - and then specifically energy. Morris rightly pointed out the success of Iceland through the use of renewable energy. Randy piped in - yeah but that's a totally different situation. Both of them were referring to geo-thermal power.
The implication was that geo-thermal is the main power source for industry and in general in Iceland. This is wrong.
The only difference between Iceland and Newfoundland and Labrador is we have 5 times the installed capacity of hydro-power - and they have intelligent politicians.
These wannabe and current politicians that block the show with absolute rhetoric - are keeping us back - they are retarding our growth - they are ignoring the real issues. Anybody could listen to us and conclude - treating us as second class citizens is okay - alright.
Here are the basic numbers:
Iceland has less that 1400 MW installed capacity.
Newfoundland and Labrador has over 7000 MW installed capacity.
Iceland exports 0% of it's generated power.
Newfoundland and Labrador exports 76% of our generated power.
Iceland uses 65% of what it produces for Industry
Newfoundland and Labrador uses less that 5% for Industry.
Iceland has 3 aluminum smelters with 2 more in various levels of discussion and or development and 2 of the existing smelters have been or are under expansion. 2 of Iceland's smelters when installed used more that 50% of all the energy Iceland produces.
Over 83% of Iceland's energy is hydro-electric with the remainder being geo-thermal.
All power exported by Newfoundland and Labrador is renewable hydro-electric. Of the 24% that we use ourselves a third of that is non-renewable imported diesel and oil.
Iceland is now the per-capita leader in the world of alumina production.
There are no other truths - this is why we are failing and Iceland is succeeding.
Further export of power from Labrador is the last nail in our coffin.
Randy - I hope you read up on this - but you are not employed to do so- nor am I. But the continued ignorance of our paid politicians should not be allowed to continue.
Next post will be on the "Icelandic Clause". You've got to read that one.
This harms us terribly.
Morris (Maurice) Budgell was on with Randy Simms this morning talking about natural resources - developments - giveaways - and then specifically energy. Morris rightly pointed out the success of Iceland through the use of renewable energy. Randy piped in - yeah but that's a totally different situation. Both of them were referring to geo-thermal power.
The implication was that geo-thermal is the main power source for industry and in general in Iceland. This is wrong.
The only difference between Iceland and Newfoundland and Labrador is we have 5 times the installed capacity of hydro-power - and they have intelligent politicians.
These wannabe and current politicians that block the show with absolute rhetoric - are keeping us back - they are retarding our growth - they are ignoring the real issues. Anybody could listen to us and conclude - treating us as second class citizens is okay - alright.
Here are the basic numbers:
Iceland has less that 1400 MW installed capacity.
Newfoundland and Labrador has over 7000 MW installed capacity.
Iceland exports 0% of it's generated power.
Newfoundland and Labrador exports 76% of our generated power.
Iceland uses 65% of what it produces for Industry
Newfoundland and Labrador uses less that 5% for Industry.
Iceland has 3 aluminum smelters with 2 more in various levels of discussion and or development and 2 of the existing smelters have been or are under expansion. 2 of Iceland's smelters when installed used more that 50% of all the energy Iceland produces.
Over 83% of Iceland's energy is hydro-electric with the remainder being geo-thermal.
All power exported by Newfoundland and Labrador is renewable hydro-electric. Of the 24% that we use ourselves a third of that is non-renewable imported diesel and oil.
Iceland is now the per-capita leader in the world of alumina production.
There are no other truths - this is why we are failing and Iceland is succeeding.
Further export of power from Labrador is the last nail in our coffin.
Randy - I hope you read up on this - but you are not employed to do so- nor am I. But the continued ignorance of our paid politicians should not be allowed to continue.
Next post will be on the "Icelandic Clause". You've got to read that one.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Energy and Happiness
#1 is Iceland and #3 is Newfoundland and Labrador
Do we really need another junket to figure this out?
What a great story and one which reflects the value of vision and superior leadership.
Iceland is number one again - this time in a European study measuring citizens happiness by using carbon efficiency, life satisfaction and life expectancy to rate the countries.
Have a look at this quote from the story by the Guardian
"Countries like Iceland clearly show that happiness doesn't have to cost the earth," said Nic Marks, founder of the foundation's Centre for Well-being. "Iceland's combination of strong social policies and extensive use of renewable energy demonstrates that living within our environmental means doesn't mean sacrificing human well-being."
How about this story by the Telegraph
Here's a quote from that publication.
"Britain languishes at 21st out of 30 countries on NEF's measure, because it has one of the highest per capita carbon footprints, behind only Luxembourg, Estonia and Finland, but only mid-table scores for both life expectancy and satisfaction.
Iceland tops the Happy Planet index for Europe thanks to abundant renewable natural resources and high-ranking scores on the two happiness measures. Northern European countries such as Denmark and Sweden are highly efficient at treading lightly but happily on Earth."
So when we have it Danny - let's use it for our happiness and economic well-being.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Hydro and Aluminum
Update...
The desire to trade off our future (energy) then (people) for the sake of arguing or the lack of belief in ourselves is incredible. Simon Lono et al. have been discouraging the use of power in our own province for years. Yet all the jurisdictions with aluminum and other significant smelting operations are not running around trying to get rid of them - cheap power or not.
Simon you are wrong in your thinking for without power - renewable - competitive - reliable power we have no growth potential. Look at the jurisdictions using their power for economic development and you will see growth - increased population - employment - increased tax revenues - increased secondary opportunities.
Even in Sim City the importance of Power is evident. Why would other provinces including NB MS ONT and QUE want our power so much?
That should ring some bells in your head.
The wisdom of privatizing NL Hydro is the same wisdom used to ship out hydro.
And no I do not believe in the BRINCO fiasco nor what it stood for - we are using 5000 MW's for industry Ed? Get a grip - settle in and understand we can make it and will make it on our own. That regimented thinking is out of vogue.
Talk about Iceland - 300,000 people - less natural resources - Island - North anything else? Simon do you believe we can stand on our own? Past Liberal and Tory policies have failed our people. We have to break the chain - you know fearful of speaking about new opportunities - or spreading our wings - afraid the bureaucracy will laugh? They roared when anybody in the last Liberal government suggested that we should seek amendments to the Accord. Your fear is typical and is evident in the latest crop of politicians.
Labrador - Nothing - NIL - Zip
Do we have the Power? Yes
Do we have the Vision? No
Hey Politicians - what are you doing other than - my name is and I want to be part of the Williams's team - or I've decided to run Liberal because that's where I am comfortable. Just imagine if Randy Simms asked questions to the political wannabes in the same manner he asks myself or Carl Powell or Gus Etchegary.
From the Bechtel Site
Over the years, Bechtel has worked in some 140 countries. But until recently, the company had never undertaken a project in Iceland.
That changed in 2003, when Alcoa asked Bechtel to build a 346,000-tonne-per-year aluminum smelter on Iceland’s eastern coast. The Fjarðaál project, now well under way, is Alcoa’s first new primary smelter in 20 years—and Bechtel’s first experience in this island nation near the Arctic Circle. At the budgeted cost, it also is the largest private investment in Iceland’s history.
The project site is at the inner edge of a large, glacier-fed fjord that empties into the Norwegian Sea. Like most of Iceland, the area is sparsely populated—the nearest town, Reyðarfjörður, is about eight kilometers away and is home to about 650 residents.
By March 2006, the project had completed more than 2 million job hours without a lost-time accident. When the 1-million-hour milestone was reached in December, Icelandic Minister of Industry and Commerce Valgerður Sverrisdóttir said at a celebration, “This great achievement does not only matter for the companies involved but for Iceland as a whole and the future of construction in this country.”
____________________________________________________________________________________
Outside the obvious lack of vision by our current crop of politicians - Williams included - there remains a potential to attract major industry to Labrador using the vast hydro resources and industrial climate.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Thorsteinn Hilmarsson
Head of Corporate Communication
Landsvirkjun, the National Power Co, Iceland
This gentleman wrote a paper on Energy and Aluminum In Iceland
Read the paper and ask yourself - What is wrong with Newfoundland and Labrador.
Here is an excerpt from the paper:
The actual price of the power is only one of many points needed to make a coherent and trustworthy siting picture. For Landsvirkjun this implies that a good combination of competitive pricing and a long-term contract is needed to attract the customer.
* Modern society with well developed infrastructure
* Political and economic stability (“Scandinavian”)
* Strategic market location between North America and Europe
* EEA membership - tariff-free access to the European market
* Supportive government policy
* Efficient environmental regulatory system
* Low corporate income tax (18%)
* Absence of corruption in business and politics (OECD)
Well that's an interesting piece of info!
___________________________________________________________________________________
A CBC Story says in part:
An AME Info story says:
$3.8bn Saudi aluminium smelter signals major diversification
After several years deliberation the Saudi government has approved construction of a $3.8 billion aluminium smelter. The plant, to be developed by state-owned mining company Maaden, will be built at Ras Az Zour industrial zone in central eastern Saudi Arabia. Aluminium exports could begin in 2008.
ALCOA of Interest...
Canada Baie-Comeau, Quebec Primary Aluminum
Aluminerie de Baie-Comeau
Becancour, Quebec Primary Aluminum
Aluminerie de Becancour, Inc. - Canada
Becancour, Quebec Wire/Rod/Bar
Deschambault, Quebec Primary Aluminum
Alcoa Canada Headquarters
Montréal, Québec
Iceland
Reydarfjordur Primary Aluminum
Alcoa Fjardaál
Norway
Farsund Primary Aluminum
Elkem Aluminium Lista - Norway
Mosjoen Primary Aluminum
Elkem Aluminium - Mosjoen Works - Norway
Australia
Anglesea, Victoria Power
Anglesea Power Station (Alcoa World Alumina - Australia)
Huntly, Western Australia Bauxite Mining
Alcoa World Alumina - Australia (Huntly)
Kwinana, Western Australia Alumina Chemicals, Alumina
Alcoa World Alumina - Australia (Pinjarra)
Point Henry, Victoria Primary Aluminum, Sheet/Plate
Alcoa -- Point Henry
Portland, Victoria Primary Aluminum
Alcoa World Alumina - Australia (Portland)¹
Labrador - Nothing - NIL - Zip
Do we have the Power? Yes
Do we have the Vision? No
The desire to trade off our future (energy) then (people) for the sake of arguing or the lack of belief in ourselves is incredible. Simon Lono et al. have been discouraging the use of power in our own province for years. Yet all the jurisdictions with aluminum and other significant smelting operations are not running around trying to get rid of them - cheap power or not.
Simon you are wrong in your thinking for without power - renewable - competitive - reliable power we have no growth potential. Look at the jurisdictions using their power for economic development and you will see growth - increased population - employment - increased tax revenues - increased secondary opportunities.
Even in Sim City the importance of Power is evident. Why would other provinces including NB MS ONT and QUE want our power so much?
That should ring some bells in your head.
The wisdom of privatizing NL Hydro is the same wisdom used to ship out hydro.
And no I do not believe in the BRINCO fiasco nor what it stood for - we are using 5000 MW's for industry Ed? Get a grip - settle in and understand we can make it and will make it on our own. That regimented thinking is out of vogue.
Talk about Iceland - 300,000 people - less natural resources - Island - North anything else? Simon do you believe we can stand on our own? Past Liberal and Tory policies have failed our people. We have to break the chain - you know fearful of speaking about new opportunities - or spreading our wings - afraid the bureaucracy will laugh? They roared when anybody in the last Liberal government suggested that we should seek amendments to the Accord. Your fear is typical and is evident in the latest crop of politicians.
You would never hear a Quebecker suggest the tripe you get on with. Of course they can do it - that is exactly why they have. Not much geography between Labrador and Quebec hey?
I guess the artificial line is the reason they can and we can't. What rubbish.
Labrador - Nothing - NIL - Zip
Do we have the Power? Yes
Do we have the Vision? No
Hey Politicians - what are you doing other than - my name is and I want to be part of the Williams's team - or I've decided to run Liberal because that's where I am comfortable. Just imagine if Randy Simms asked questions to the political wannabes in the same manner he asks myself or Carl Powell or Gus Etchegary.
From the Bechtel Site
Over the years, Bechtel has worked in some 140 countries. But until recently, the company had never undertaken a project in Iceland.
That changed in 2003, when Alcoa asked Bechtel to build a 346,000-tonne-per-year aluminum smelter on Iceland’s eastern coast. The Fjarðaál project, now well under way, is Alcoa’s first new primary smelter in 20 years—and Bechtel’s first experience in this island nation near the Arctic Circle. At the budgeted cost, it also is the largest private investment in Iceland’s history.
The project site is at the inner edge of a large, glacier-fed fjord that empties into the Norwegian Sea. Like most of Iceland, the area is sparsely populated—the nearest town, Reyðarfjörður, is about eight kilometers away and is home to about 650 residents.
By March 2006, the project had completed more than 2 million job hours without a lost-time accident. When the 1-million-hour milestone was reached in December, Icelandic Minister of Industry and Commerce Valgerður Sverrisdóttir said at a celebration, “This great achievement does not only matter for the companies involved but for Iceland as a whole and the future of construction in this country.”
____________________________________________________________________________________
Outside the obvious lack of vision by our current crop of politicians - Williams included - there remains a potential to attract major industry to Labrador using the vast hydro resources and industrial climate.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Thorsteinn Hilmarsson
Head of Corporate Communication
Landsvirkjun, the National Power Co, Iceland
This gentleman wrote a paper on Energy and Aluminum In Iceland
Read the paper and ask yourself - What is wrong with Newfoundland and Labrador.
Here is an excerpt from the paper:
The actual price of the power is only one of many points needed to make a coherent and trustworthy siting picture. For Landsvirkjun this implies that a good combination of competitive pricing and a long-term contract is needed to attract the customer.
* Modern society with well developed infrastructure
* Political and economic stability (“Scandinavian”)
* Strategic market location between North America and Europe
* EEA membership - tariff-free access to the European market
* Supportive government policy
* Efficient environmental regulatory system
* Low corporate income tax (18%)
* Absence of corruption in business and politics (OECD)
Well that's an interesting piece of info!
___________________________________________________________________________________
A CBC Story says in part:
In New York, one industry analyst says he likes what he's hearing from the B.C. government. Clarence Morrison, an aluminum industry analyst with Prudential Securities in New York, says he is encouraged by premier Clark's promotion of good deep water ports in B.C. and competitive Hydro rates for new investors.
An AME Info story says:
$3.8bn Saudi aluminium smelter signals major diversification
After several years deliberation the Saudi government has approved construction of a $3.8 billion aluminium smelter. The plant, to be developed by state-owned mining company Maaden, will be built at Ras Az Zour industrial zone in central eastern Saudi Arabia. Aluminium exports could begin in 2008.
ALCOA of Interest...
Canada Baie-Comeau, Quebec Primary Aluminum
Aluminerie de Baie-Comeau
Becancour, Quebec Primary Aluminum
Aluminerie de Becancour, Inc. - Canada
Becancour, Quebec Wire/Rod/Bar
Deschambault, Quebec Primary Aluminum
Alcoa Canada Headquarters
Montréal, Québec
Iceland
Reydarfjordur Primary Aluminum
Alcoa Fjardaál
Norway
Farsund Primary Aluminum
Elkem Aluminium Lista - Norway
Mosjoen Primary Aluminum
Elkem Aluminium - Mosjoen Works - Norway
Australia
Anglesea, Victoria Power
Anglesea Power Station (Alcoa World Alumina - Australia)
Huntly, Western Australia Bauxite Mining
Alcoa World Alumina - Australia (Huntly)
Kwinana, Western Australia Alumina Chemicals, Alumina
Alcoa World Alumina - Australia (Pinjarra)
Point Henry, Victoria Primary Aluminum, Sheet/Plate
Alcoa -- Point Henry
Portland, Victoria Primary Aluminum
Alcoa World Alumina - Australia (Portland)¹
Labrador - Nothing - NIL - Zip
Do we have the Power? Yes
Do we have the Vision? No
Thursday, February 22, 2007
The Little Land of 300,000 people that Could...again
Sue's Blog often refers to Iceland when drawing comparisons with Newfoundland and Labrador in various industry sectors. Today is another one of those days.
Yesterday to the delight of many people and business (for now) - Air Astraeus announced regular direct flights from Newfoundland and Labrador to the UK and return. The mighty Air Canada - did the Canadian thing not too long ago and virtually eliminated the service and moved that flight to Halifax.
So when Canada bails despite the undeniable viable route for business and pleasure travellers - Iceland steps to the plate. Yes this northern "country" of 300,000 people continues to thrive in all significant economic indicators - and has managed to put together a competitive and profitable route between NL and the UK.
Their interest in expanding tourism to our province is great news and smart on their behalf. The beauty of this land and the hospitality of her people continues to draw people from around the world. They come for the icebergs - the whales - the fresh air - clean water - incredible adventure tourism - and the friendliness of the population renowned worldwide.
The real question here is why Canada's namesake airline abandoned an economically successful service? Newfoundland and Labrador is the oil capital of Eastern Canada and industry travellers expressed their displeasure in the decision. Forcing people to go to Halifax or Nova Scotia may be great for the economy there - but it is not reflective of the practical service needed.
It is time for our local entrepreneurs - especially in the regional airline business to see if they can get some money action in this group.
Here for the record is the makeup of this airline group:
ASTRAEUS BECOMES PART OF NORTHERN TRAVEL GROUP
A new leisure group, Northern Travel Holding ("Northern Travel"), has been formed by the Icelandic investment groups, Fons (who will hold 44%), FL Group (34%) and Sund (22%).
Northern Travel has acquired the following travel related investments:
" Sterling Airlines (100%)
" Iceland Express (100%)
" Astraeus (51%)
" Ticket, the Swedish stock-market quoted travel agent (29.3%)
" Hekla Travel, the largest travel agent in Denmark (100%)
It remains ever questionable how industry in Canada works against the development of our rich province. Part of the problem is our patience with the less than fair treatment we get in this country - and part of it is the makeup of Canada's confederation. We must continue to move forward despite it - and around it - if necessary.
As for the airline sector - we must find a way to make Labrador travel affordable and competitive.
Yesterday to the delight of many people and business (for now) - Air Astraeus announced regular direct flights from Newfoundland and Labrador to the UK and return. The mighty Air Canada - did the Canadian thing not too long ago and virtually eliminated the service and moved that flight to Halifax.
So when Canada bails despite the undeniable viable route for business and pleasure travellers - Iceland steps to the plate. Yes this northern "country" of 300,000 people continues to thrive in all significant economic indicators - and has managed to put together a competitive and profitable route between NL and the UK.
Their interest in expanding tourism to our province is great news and smart on their behalf. The beauty of this land and the hospitality of her people continues to draw people from around the world. They come for the icebergs - the whales - the fresh air - clean water - incredible adventure tourism - and the friendliness of the population renowned worldwide.
The real question here is why Canada's namesake airline abandoned an economically successful service? Newfoundland and Labrador is the oil capital of Eastern Canada and industry travellers expressed their displeasure in the decision. Forcing people to go to Halifax or Nova Scotia may be great for the economy there - but it is not reflective of the practical service needed.
It is time for our local entrepreneurs - especially in the regional airline business to see if they can get some money action in this group.
Here for the record is the makeup of this airline group:
ASTRAEUS BECOMES PART OF NORTHERN TRAVEL GROUP
A new leisure group, Northern Travel Holding ("Northern Travel"), has been formed by the Icelandic investment groups, Fons (who will hold 44%), FL Group (34%) and Sund (22%).
Northern Travel has acquired the following travel related investments:
" Sterling Airlines (100%)
" Iceland Express (100%)
" Astraeus (51%)
" Ticket, the Swedish stock-market quoted travel agent (29.3%)
" Hekla Travel, the largest travel agent in Denmark (100%)
It remains ever questionable how industry in Canada works against the development of our rich province. Part of the problem is our patience with the less than fair treatment we get in this country - and part of it is the makeup of Canada's confederation. We must continue to move forward despite it - and around it - if necessary.
As for the airline sector - we must find a way to make Labrador travel affordable and competitive.
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Zero Unemployment - Canadian workers to Iceland
Go West and North young men and women...
So the Northern Star does it again - Iceland - a country of 300,000 people recruiting Canadians for construction. You see Alberta is not the only boom-town. No the Nordic equivalent of Labrador is doing it without the tar-sands and doing it with resources such as those found in Newfoundland and Labrador - only less...
The news of Canadians travelling to Iceland for work comes from the Embassy - Canada's foreign policy Newsweekly.
Here's a quote:
Here we go again - this could all be happening here in Labrador. What was that about vision again?
Let me wish the best of luck to the Labrador Party - clean it up in October...
So the Northern Star does it again - Iceland - a country of 300,000 people recruiting Canadians for construction. You see Alberta is not the only boom-town. No the Nordic equivalent of Labrador is doing it without the tar-sands and doing it with resources such as those found in Newfoundland and Labrador - only less...
The news of Canadians travelling to Iceland for work comes from the Embassy - Canada's foreign policy Newsweekly.
Here's a quote:
Thorbjörnsson’s construction projects in Iceland are possible because of the country’s booming economy. “The unemployment rate is next to none and it’s hard to recruit local labor,” he explained.
To persuade Canadian workers to travel to Iceland Thorbjörnsson pays all travel expenses and accommodation, in addition to an above-average salary. Over 100 people from all over Canada have applied for jobs at his company, he said.
Scandia Housing also organizes recreational trips and sightseeing tours around Iceland for its employees and hosts several social events.
Here we go again - this could all be happening here in Labrador. What was that about vision again?
Let me wish the best of luck to the Labrador Party - clean it up in October...
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