CELEBRATING CECILE
Cecile Bukmeier, instructor at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and Bodyworx Professional columnist was recently named a recipient of the “Sturdy 30” award from Skills Alberta. Bukmeier is no stranger to blazing trails in the Canadian automotive industry, becoming the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology’s first female autobody instructor and winning the 2015 Alumni of the Year award from her school.
Bukmeier has since gone on to chair the Car Painting Provincial Technical Committee and is a WorldSkills Expert for Canada in car painting.
The Sturdy 30 award from Skills Alberta celebrates the province’s relationship with teachers and instructors and honours those who go above and beyond in their role.
A DRIVE THROUGH HISTORY
A new initiative from the Alberta government is giving the public a glimpse into automotive history through the DRIVE: Reimagining the Ride exhibition.
Having loaned 12 vehicles from the 1890s to the 1990s from the Reynolds-Alberta Museum and Remington Carriage Museum (RAM), the provincial government is aiming to tell the story of automotive innovation and creativity through this gallery-style event. Making use of RAM’s 1,100 square-metre feature gallery, the exhibition will show off some of earliest car models in history, as well as solar-powered technological marvels and pop culture icons like the DeLorean.
“DRIVE: Reimagining the Ride takes visitors on a journey through the human need to move, to innovate, to make mistakes and try new approaches,” said Minister of Culture and Status of Women, Ron Orr. “It is a celebration of the spirit of ingenuity and the diverse collections of our historic sites and museums. I encourage Albertans to take a road trip through history to take in this stunning exhibition.” The exhibition also includes a Tinker Garage where visitors of all ages can participate in hands-on activities with a changing theme every month.
PETROLEUM PAYOUT
In the wake of sky-high gas prices, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney introduced a tax relief on fuel he said would save drivers 13 cents per litre, in addition to a $150 electricity rebate.
The tax cut will apply to both regular and diesel fuel. Travis Toews, Alberta’s minister of finance said the move was aimed to “provide much-needed relief to everyday Albertans.” Kenney called the move a “bold decision” that provides “real relief.” “All together this helps us to address cost pressures that are making life harder,” said the premier.
The tax cut will take effect April 1 and will stay in effect until at least the next provincial budget scheduled for next March, though it will be evaluated every three months, said the province. At the time of the announcement, the average price-per-litre in Alberta sat at 159.5.
