Dr. Suzuki spoke passionately last week in Calgary about the need for action at all levels and angrily against governments that fail to do their job. The trouble with anger, at least in Alberta, is that we are uncomfortable with the emotion. Even when anger is appropriate, as in Alberta’s inaction on climate change,  it disturbs people and people can then judge the messenger instead of the message.  Premier Stelmach is using this opportunity to mire Suzuki’s image rather than dealing with the issue.  As of today, the Herald published 4 angry letters telling Suzuki in effect to mind his own business. In short, Stelmach’s image attack has been successful and yet again we have failed to address the issue of climate change in an open and honest manner.

Conscious Albertans however know that change is needed.  We can no longer plead ignorance about the future consequences of inaction on the environment, our health and our economy. We cannot go on without visionary leadership, the best of science to inform our planning, and competent management that considers the next 100 years.

Most Albertans will, in private, admit to anger at mismanagement. My hope is that they will express it more effectively to their MLA and at election time. What Albertans want is responsible governance.