Oilsands Industry Backed Education

To say that the Alberta Oilsands are controversial would be an understatements.  If you listen to arguments of environmentalists the "doom and gloom" scenario comes to mind.  Their position, despite evidence to the contrary, is that the development of the oilsands would be the end of the planet.

Proponents of oilsands developments maintain that you can develop the oilsands, take care of the environment and provide the engine for economic growth in Canada.  This is also the position of the Federal and Alberta government. 

A story published in The Province questions the involvement of industry in an industry-funded program that offers high school teachers a six-day trip to Fort McMurray to "experience Alberta's oilsands" is being expanded across the country.

Operators inside the education system say that they are trying to present a balanced program, some anti-oil sands activists maintain that informing educators about controversial developments shouldn't be left to those with most to gain from them.

 

"It's always billed as being free, but what's being sold is a positive image of an industry that's controversial," said Andrew Hodgkins, a University of Alberta researcher who has published on the issue of corporate involvement in education.

While there may be some reason for concern, the public, including teachers, are bombarded daily with anti-oil sands propaganda.   You can hardly switch to CBC Newsworld or open a newspaper that doesn't  have anything negative to say about Oilsands development.

With the controversy over the past few months with the Northern Gateway Pipeline, which would move Alberta crude from Alberta to Kitimat, British Columbia and the XL Keystone Pipeline from Alberta to Port Arthur, Texas, there have been plenty opposition and negative media reports on this issue. 

Teachers getting exposure to both sides of this controversial issue can only be applauded.  One has to give enough credit to the intelligence of our teachers to be capable to find a balanced approach to the curriculum. 

The web is a great source to find the different views on oilsands production.  One can say with confidence that the cons much outweigh the pros on this issue.  While there may be some propaganda in favour of the industry in this program, at the least it gives teachers a first hand look at what is going on in Fort McMurray.  In fact, it is highly recommended that the Leader of the Official Opposition, Thomas Mulcair attend one of these sessions. 

Alberta Election - Liberals Reveal Carbon Levy Plan

 A federal carbon tax or cap and trade system has been rejected by Albertans in the past.  In that context the Alberta government imposed a carbon tax forcing companies that emit more than 100,00 tons of greenhouse gases annually to either reduce CO2 emissions per barrel by 12%, pay $15 per tonne into a technology fund or buy an offset against total emissions.  The money remains in Alberta.  With that background, Raj Sherman, Leader of the Alberta Liberal Party, has revealed a plan, which he says, which would generate $1.8 Billion for research and green transportation initiatives.  The plan would be based on actual emissions.

"This announcement is a visionary announcement to green our economy (and) help improve Alberta's reputation with respect to carbon. Half of the money goes back to industry, to retool industry, to make sure they deal with their carbon issues, and half of it goes to green transportation for Alberta municipalities. What does that mean for Edmonton and Calgary? Three hundred mil-lion dollars a year that they can use for LRT or green transportation," said the Liberal leader.

The Alberta Oilsands have been the target of environmental activists and Raj Sherman's proposal is hoped to address this with making the oilsands more acceptable.  In some circles there is the belief that a carbon levy only enables emitters to sell off their emissions, accomplishing absolutely nothing when it comes to carbon reduction.

Sherman's vision sees a third of the levy proceeds to go to Edmonton and Calgary, while the remainder would go back to the industry to invest in green technology cleanup.  

While the emphasis should be on reducing carbon emissions, the allocation of the proceeds does little for rural Albertans, of which many still use unsafe gravel country roads.  Since this levy will be collected for all Albertans, some of that money should also be allocated to municipalities other than the two largest cities in the Province.  Perhaps a priority could be established to improve country roads and also to improve wireless service to rural communities.  

While the cities have necessarily the largest voice and of course votes, there are still over half a million rural Albertans.   It would be incumbent on any government to spread the wealth throughout the province and provide some infrastructure improvements.

We live in a Province that has a tremendous amount of wealth and resources, yet rural communities are often neglected.  Many rural Albertans have no rural mail delivery and by necessity use poor roads, often unsafe, to get their groceries, mail, healthcare and travel to work.  Perhaps it is time for those in the legislature to pay some attention to rural Albertans. 

Back to the carbon levy.   It is unlikely that any conservative voters would be swayed by this announcement, nor will it sway those voting for the New Democrats to move into the Liberal party camp.   

Also on the campaign trail on Tuesday were New Democratic Party Leader Brian Mason and Progressive Conservative Party Leader Alison Redford.  Mason talked to medical professionals and students at Concordia University, promising that his party would create a sustainable future for students.  Redford made more promises, focusing on advanced education.  She promised $650 Million that would enhance post-secondary facilities over three years, with a $650 million capital project.  $170 Million would be allocated to Norquest College, while $200 Million would go to the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) to replace aging buildings in the business and health departments. 

Wildrose Party Leader Danielle Smith took a day off from the elections campaign.

Expect more promises as Alberta moves closer to the April 23rd election.