The provincial innovation minister said bitumen-derived metals could fulfill demand from producers of batteries, carbon fibre, smartphones and U.S. military applications. He also touted Alberta’s tax incentive for movie and series production. Schweitzer was speaking at a virtual event hosted by the Canadian Club of Toronto. (The Logic)

Talking point: The Leduc Formation in Alberta contains a lot of lithium, which most EV batteries require. Much of the economic activity around the mineral so far has taken place in Quebec and Ontario, but Calgary-based E3 Metals—which Schweitzer namechecked in his speech—is developing technology to take it out of oil wells. The minister said “tension between the United States and China” creates an opportunity for Albertan sources, as the Biden administration looks to secure supply chains. Meanwhile, the province wants to use TV shows and films made there to boost tourism, as the U.K. does with “‘Game of Thrones,’ Harry Potter [and] all these different other productions,” said Schweitzer. He alluded to the upcoming “Last of Us” TV series, which will reportedly shoot in Calgary. Sadly, there’s no word on a “Wynonna Earp” theme park.