The Fall legislature has been dominated by questions of public trust.

With both the Auditor General and the Royalty Review Panel indicating poor management of our oil and gas payments to the public account, more and more people are asking – How did this happen? and Why has it taken 7 years to address the loss of $7-$10 Billion??

Whether or not the Premier’s new royalty plan is high enough, what responsibility does the government have for the lost billions?

Any business that lost this kind of money through negligence would see shareholders up in arms and seeking damages! And it now appears from the Annual Reports that the Energy Department itself was covering up the recommendations from its own experts that Albertans should have been getting more royalties.

Imagine what could have been accomplished with this resource (now lost forever) – Albertans could be moving off the electrical grid with energy conservation and renewable energy more easily available. New jobs and technology could reduce our fossil fuel dependence AND save money AND export more fossil fuels for higher returns. A slower rate of development of the oilsands could mean better social conditions and environmental protection.

In the Legislature yesterday I asked questions about Sour Gas Well Safety in light of the recent leak at a Bearspaw Petroleum operation. Leaks have occurred at this site before, and residents in the area continue to suffer from lasting health implications (along with their livestock) (Listen to my questions below)

People expect us to protect the public interest – Do you believe the public interest is being protected in Alberta today?

I’d be interested in your thoughts.

Edmonton journal article: Horses, cattle ailing; Family blames sour gas leak