CALGARY — CHRIS SEVERSON-BAKER, executive director at the Pembina Institute, made the following statement in response to the Alberta Speech from the Throne:
“Today, the Government of Alberta set out a vastly outdated vision for the province’s economy. Albertans need their government to step up and plan for a new economic future, where prosperity is built on a foundation of abundant, low-cost, clean energy production and use.
“Alberta has all the elements it needs to forge a prosperous clean energy future – one that would be aligned with global trends showing two out of every three dollars invested in energy are already going to clean energy, not fossil fuels. With our skilled workforce, abundant wind and sun to make the lowest-cost energy, and history of technological innovation, Alberta could be getting to work building low-carbon industries and supply chains to make the products and services the world is demanding. Instead, it continues to put roadblocks in the way of renewable energy development, and oppose federal policies aimed at futureproofing Alberta’s economy.
“Our recent analysis shows that oil and gas is no longer the safe, job-creating sector it once was. Many Alberta families are living through that pain right now following the recent layoffs at Imperial Oil and Cenovus. These developments are reminders that the oilsands industry in Alberta is engaged in short-term behaviours to maximize profits in the here and now, but don’t set them up for long-term expansion – because oil demand across key markets is already softening.
“All of Canada – including Alberta – needs to gear up for a climate competitive future; one where we actively grow the industries that are most likely to prosper over the next century, and in doing so, attract billions of dollars of private investment and create good, long-term jobs. Alberta should join in this endeavour – not let itself get left behind.”
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