We Are Alberta

Join us for part two of a two-part series from Medicine Hat’s Bitcoin Mine. Follow ATB’s economist, Nick Ford, on a tour to find out what’s really going on inside a miner. Missed part one? In the last episode of We Are Alberta, Nick chatted with Andrew Kiguel, President and CEO of Hut 8 Mining—a company that operates two Bitcoin mines in Alberta. It’s a world shrouded in mystery. You won’t want to miss this.

Bitcoin is the world’s first virtual currency that has won over millions of investors and tech fanatics. Bitcoin originated back in 2008 and launched early in 2009. As the cryptocurrency began to rise in price, many people started paying attention for the first time. People like Andrew Kiguel. Andrew is President and CEO of Hut 8 mining, a company that operates two Bitcoin mines in Alberta. In this episode, we help demystify the world of Bitcoin and learn about what happens at a bitcoin mine.

Milk River is a town of nearly 900 people and is about 70 kilometers south of Lethbridge. What makes Milk River unique is not the milky appearance of the river that flows through the town, although that’s certainly part of it, but rather the town’s proximity to the US border. In this episode, we’re spending time at ATB’s southernmost branch to speak with Bonnie, a resident of Milk River for almost 26 years. We wanted to find out what life is like living so close the border, especially now when things seem a little more tense.

A couple of years ago, many of us were only just dreaming about self-driving cars and flying drone home deliveries. But, now, our online packages and pizza are delivered to our front doors by robots. Some of the companies designing and testing these technologies are doing this right here in Alberta! In this episode, we’re travelling to a drone testing facility operating in south-eastern Alberta. The Foremost Centre for Unmanned Systems test range is helping Albertan and North American companies push the boundaries for commerce. But the test site is also helping advance other sectors in our economy, too. Take a listen to this episode of We Are Alberta to find out more about how our province is helping push the boundaries for commerce.

The pamphlet you can pick up at the rest stop in Bow Island states that the “quiet town is in the middle of a very diverse agricultural area”  They’re certain about that. In fact, four farms in the Bow Island area represent about 25 per cent of North America’s demand for spearmint! This episode features a story about an Alberta mint and dill farmer. Lynn Thacker, a farmer in the Bow Island area, helps keep our teeth clean, our breath fresh and helps supply the flavouring for a lot of snacks that tons of Albertans love to enjoy. Take a listen to this episode of We Are Alberta to find out more about our province’s fascinating ties to mint and dill.

Plenty of focus is placed on Alberta’s energy sector. And, rightly so. Alberta’s economic livelihood depends on this industry. That means that big changes in energy prices affect all Albertans. This episode features a story about an Alberta organization called Iron & Earth. They’re helping to diversify Alberta’s energy sector by training Albertans in renewable energy methods. Ian Wilson (Iron & Earth) and Desmond Bull (Louis Bull Tribe) are at the root of this diversification. Their projects will ensure that many don’t feel pain the next time oil prices drop significantly. Take a listen to this episode of We Are Alberta to find out how Iron & Earth teamed up on an renewable energy project with the Louis Bull Tribe in Maskwacis. We hope you enjoy it.

Starting up a any business isn’t easy. But, it’s especially difficult setting up a cannabis business before legalization. It's a long process and an even longer waiting game. Our first episode features a story about an Edmonton cannabis company called Token Naturals. They’re doing things a little differently than other cannabis companies in the province. Instead of growing weed, they want to create a line of cannabis-infused oils and cannabis drinks for consumption. Take a listen to this episode of We Are Alberta to find out how Keenan Pascal and Cam O’Neil from Token Naturals are working with cannabis and hear how Alberta’s economy might evolve in light of this budding industry. We hope you enjoy it!