We are all trying to deal with the most daunting crisis ever faced by mankind. Climate change threatens our ability to survive on this Earth, and any possibility of a future for our descendants. It is understandable that many of us are frightened by the scope of the changes we must make, and opinions differ on how to proceed in this situation.
It is counterproductive, however, to make accusations of treason against those whose opinions differ from our own, or to call our government leaders “thieves” and “bandits.”
To save our place on this planet, we need to have rational discussions and use all of our abilities to work together, doing whatever we can to avert more of the tragedy we see unfolding daily.
Concerns over our economy are important. The short-term economic impact of more pipelines, more oil sands activity and more fracking may be neutral or positive, but the long-term effects on our economy will not be. Ever worsening climate change and the environmental damage caused will devastate our economy if we do not mitigate these effects. There are no jobs on a dead planet, or in a dead province. Even the larger petrochemical corporations are seeing this and are investing in more renewable, environmentally friendly options. Banks and entire countries are divesting from fossil fuels.
Alberta has amazing potential for developing renewable energy, if we can keep our air, water and soils safe from contamination. The review of the National Energy Board was a result of evidence of untoward influence on the NEB by the powerful oil and gas industry lobby, and does not indicate that our Prime Minister wishes to close down the industry. The demand for real environmental assessment of industry plans is long past due.
A comment on the criticism of the Trudeau family requires a little background. Former prime minister Pierre Trudeau believed that Canada should have its own oil company, which became PetroCanada. This suggestion was taken up by Norway, creating StatOil.
Norway also decided to tax oil industry profits, not just exact royalties on production; they decided to enact strict environmental regulations, which are enforced, and to set up a savings instrument similar to the Heritage Trust Fund. These actions helped Norway to accrue a wonderful legacy of funds, guaranteeing world leading services for its people.
In contrast, Alberta has concerning pollution and a provincial deficit. Placing the blame for this entirely on transfer payments or fiscal mismanagement would be inaccurate. We have seen a continual reduction in royalties charged to the oil and gas industry and a marked reluctance to enact realistic environmental rules or enforce those we have. This has resulted in a corresponding rise in provincial debts, both social and financial.
The majority of Canadians, along with the rest of the world, are concerned about our climate and our environment. In Alberta, we can’t hide our heads in the oil sands and pretend that these threats do not exist. Instead, we can set an example for other jurisdictions.
Let’s calm down, try to find solutions that work for our society as a whole, and support a speedy transition from our dependence on fossil fuels.
Nielle Hawkwood
