As I look out of the window of my office in the Research and Development building at Edmonton's Waste Management Centre, I can see (and hear) the earthmoving machinery working on the foundations of the new Advanced Energy Research Centre that is about to emerge from the ground immediately to the west of our building. This is the precursor to the waste gasification facility that will be constructed over the next two years, and is the latest tangible example of the extraordinary spirit of innovation that has characterized waste management in Edmonton over the past decade. Our Centre is proud to be part of this exciting innovation - and I have been proud to share this news at recent international conferences in Brunei and the Czech Republic.

 

On both occasions, I was invited to speak through the Trade Commissioner's service of the federal Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. It is great to know that Edmonton is receiving international recognition as a waste management leader. This status has been achieved through the collective efforts of a large and dedicated group of people, who have amassed enormous amount of invaluable experience in the process. The Centre is in a unique position to access this wealth of practical knowledge and help solve problems around the world, providing educational and training experiences that are second to none. We strive to keep Edmonton on the cutting edge of innovation in waste management through activities such as these.