Premier Jason Kenney has reverted to the attitude of power and entitlement of previous Alberta Conservative governments. There are the many recent questionable patronage announcements and cancelling of effective programs and initiatives. He is blind to the havoc of global warming, and has made minimal effort to encourage reduction or control of greenhouse gas emissions. He fails to get Albertans involved in a globally recognized problem. He will spend $2.5 million to find who is funding the "Alberta Dirty Oil" campaign.
The "dirty oil" label is applied because Alberta oilsand extraction methods require large amounts of energy for production. Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) uses steam injection down hole to soften the bitumen to be pumped to surface. Nearly twice the carbon energy is required to produce a barrel of product in the "oilsands" as compared to drill and pump operations in Texas and Saudi Arabia. Alberta heavy oil also requires a diluent to make it pipeline transportable. The diluent is recyclable, but requires a pipeline back to the production source, for recycle. SAGD also requires a huge water supply, water treatment facilities, and a large investment in an insulated steam supply infrastructure to each remote steam injected site. This infrastructure also requires maintenance and environmental remediation costs. These operations require energy input, and increase carbon gas pollution for extraction collection and refining, thus "Dirty Oil".
Investment companies, pension plans and wealth creating institutions, are investing in profitable, ethical and sustainable resource companies. Mr. Kenney asserts a lack of export opportunities is hindering Alberta's opportunity for growth.
"Big oil" (Royal Dutch Shell, Exxon Mobile, Chevron, Total SA, et al.), saw the problem of "ethical and sustainable" and left Alberta; they are now investing in more prudent, profitable and less polluting opportunities.
Mr. Kenney needs more cash flow to prop up his concerted efforts to invest in Alberta oil. His plan to have the teachers' pension plan, and public workers' pensions under provincial control will give him deep pockets to invest in his favoured industries, via shares, credit notes, bonds and other financial incentives. If he succeeds in obtaining the Alberta contributions to the CPP, he will have an even bigger pot to play with.
Alberta oilsands companies are worthy companies, but are they environmentally ethical and sustainable? Are we subsidizing oil production by forgoing royalties? Mr. Kenney will have his way.
Prior to the election, when someone suggested members of his caucus may have a contrary opinion, Mr. Kenney responded, "I hold the pen". "Arrogant and entitled"?
As Albertans, we are doing little about environmental problems. We have concerns about weather events, and increasing insurance premiums as a result of fire and floods and personal losses. Is the solution to turn a blind eye on the future, in the face of impending disasters?
Howard Schettler, St. Albert
