Editorial
Oilsands not up for grabs
With the 2011 federal election now in the books, the controversial Alberta oilsands has resurfaced as a possible bone of contention between the province and the Harper government.
As one of the largest sources of income for this province, funding everything from hospitals to schools to highways, the oilsands is sure to remain of keen interest to every Alberta community, including those in West Central Alberta.
Responding to suggestions that environmental concerns over the oilsands may prompt the new federal government to start seeking inroads into the development of the vast energy resource, Premier Ed Stelmach has been quick to remind Prime Minister Stephen Harper that natural resources are a provincial jurisdiction.
Federal environment minister Peter Kent reportedly plans to introduce environmental regulations for the oilsands sector designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
“It is very clear in the Constitution that these are our resources,” said Stelmach. “If the federal government wants to assist and support the province in environmental monitoring, the door is open. But the resources belong to Albertans.”
Premier Stelmach has also wasted no time in saying his government remains committed to developing the oilsands in an environmentally responsible manner.
As well, the leadership candidates seeking to replace Stelmach have come out with statements reiterating Alberta’s position that it is the sole owner of the oilsands and other oil and gas resources in the province.
Unlike the provincial government, the federal government has all regions and populations in Canada to consider when addressing environmental and energy issues.
As such, the Harper government will no doubt be pressured from some quarters – such as the large and vocal environmental movement in Ontario and Quebec – to take a leading role in making sure the oilsands are developed without destroying lakes, rivers and other places.
With that in mind, the best way for Alberta to retain control of the oilsands is to ensure environmental concerns and issues surrounding the resource are addressed in a timely and public way.
If the Canadian public is reassured that Alberta is taking environmental concerns seriously, the perception that this province is all for ‘dirty oil’ will remain disputed at the very least.
On the other hand, any attempt by Alberta to ‘circle the wagons’ by picking a fight with the Harper government instead of meeting its environmental obligations is sure to backfire.
More than any other province, Alberta relies on oil and gas development to finance public services such as health care and education.
That being the case, hopefully the newly-minted Harper government and the Alberta Tories will remain on good terms when it comes to oilsands development. Anything less will surely mean big trouble for Alberta.
