In the spring session of the Legislature, I’ve been asking many questions on various issues regarding the slow pace of oil sands reclamation. The integrity of our groundwater system is a major concern to Albertans. The scope and pace of the development poses risks not only the environment but also human health.

The Official Opposition obtained documents proving that there had been groundwater contamination, effluent discharges and oil and grease released into the Athabasca River over the past 30 years, despite government assurances to the contrary.

Environment Minister Rob Renner, on the other hand, dismissed this recent research that proves the oil sands have been leaking millions of litres of toxins into groundwater daily.

This Thursday, I’ll be hosting a Town Hall Meeting about Oil Sands Reclamation. It’s a chance for everyone to better understand the issues, and I hope you’ll be able to join us. (see event information below)

Town Hall Meeting
Alberta’s Oil Sands Reclamation: Why so little so late?
Thursday, June 19, 2008 | 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

West Hillhurst Community Centre
1940- 6 Ave NW Calgary AB T2N 0W3

As Calgarians, do we fully understand the reality of what’s going on in Alberta’s north?
In May this year, The Pembina Institute released a comprehensive new report that showed “after 41 years of oil sands mining operations in northern Alberta , only 0.2% or one square kilometer of disturbed land is certified as reclaimed.”

Jennifer Grant , a policy analyst at the Pembina Institute, will give an overview of the report’s findings and recommendations for sustainable energy solutions for Alberta ‘s future.

Andrew Nikiforuk , award-winning Canadian journalist and author, has written extensively about education, economics and the environment for the past two decades. He is currently researching a new book about Alberta ‘s oil sands.

David Lavallee is a documentary film-maker, currently completing “Liquid Truth”. This documentary film tells the story of a pair of concerned citizens who follow a hypothetical drop of water from the “water summit” of North America down the Athabasca River to see what kinds of pressures industry and society put on it. David will frame the evening’s discussion by screening a short clip of his yet-to-be-released film.

Moderated by David Swann , MLA – Calgary Mountain View , the evening is intended to generate meaningful dialogue about Alberta’s oil sands.

For more information, call 216-5445 or email calgary.mountainview@assembly.ab.ca

Like many Albertans I was shocked by the Government’s decision to effectively raise the income of MLAs by over 30% last week. This is on top of the cost of living increase MLAs get each year (this year was about 5%). Most of the increase is due to now paying MLAs who sit on committees at least $1000/month. This is paid whether the Committee meets or not.

My Liberal colleagues and I object to the process of increasing our own income and particularly the size of the increases. Salary changes should be recommended by an independent public committee.

We also object to Government’s failure to provide basic cost of living increases to the most vulnerable in our society – those on AISH and Supports For Independence. This is more than embarrassing. It’s a shame and a failure of moral leadership in my view.

This also sets a terrible precedent for other sectors of society including groups that are negotiating salaries such as teachers and doctors. We acknowledge there is extra work and responsibility for sitting on committees but we don’t feel we’re in a position to decide how much extra that work is worth. That’s why our pay levels should be decided by an independent committee.

We examined the possibility of not taking the extra pay but were told there is no legal means for us to turn it back. Some of our members and I are donating a good portion of the increase to non-profit and charitable groups. Even if we could legally refuse to take the raise, it would create a situation where our MLAs are paid less than Conservative and New Democrats for doing the same work. This is not progressive leadership and Albertans should let their MLA and the Premier know their feelings.

There have been a number of news articles on this topic.
Edmonton Sun: editorial by Andrew Hanon (June 2, 2008)

CBC – May 30, 2008

Thank you, Calgarians for voting me into the runner-up spot for Calgary’s “Most Active Activist” and the “Hardest Working Calgarian.” Have a look here.

I would like to extend heart-felt congratulations to the first place winners in these categories, Grant Neufeld and Mayor Dave Bronconnier, respectively, both of whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with extensively in the past, and look forward to working with in the future.

I was pleased to note that the best new trend in Calgary is Environmentalism/Going Green. I am dedicated to moving this trend from the fringe into tangible policies that will ensure a sustainable future for all Albertans.

Kensington was chosen as the “Most Liveable Neighbourhood in Calgary.” Comprising the neighbourhoods of Hillhurst and Sunnyside, it is part of the Calgary Mountain View Constituency, where we have our constituency office, and where I’ve lived for many years. As the opposition environment critic, as always, I welcome anyone concerned about the environment and social issues, and wishing to express your views and opinions to get in touch!

Check out the rest of the FFWD Best of Calgary Issue here: