David Swann: Blog

Dr. David Swann is the elected member of the Alberta Legislature for Calgary Mountain View and the Liberal critic for the Health and Wellness, Human Services, Agriculture and Rural Development, and Aboriginal Relations.

David Swann: Blog - Dr. David Swann is the elected member of the Alberta Legislature for Calgary Mountain View and the Liberal critic for the Health and Wellness, Human Services, Agriculture and Rural Development, and Aboriginal Relations.

Monthly Archives: September 2010

On Mr. Stelmach’s Response to the Visit of James Cameron

If this government had taken the environment seriously from the outset, Alberta would not be in the middle of an environmental PR battle and would not be straining credibility to prove that they are doing something for the environment. Unfortunately there has been a terrible lack of leadership, investment, and stewardship from this government.

Thankfully, industry leaders, on their own, have made great technological improvements in limiting their impacts on the environment. I hope that this meeting will encourage Stelmach to improve environmental monitoring and protection as well as showcase the advancements made by our industry.

You missed the mark with Pelosi, Ed

Mr Stelmach indicated yesterday that he had a nice “free-flowing” chat with Nancy Pelosi and Senator Markey on our oilsands problems. No doubt he avoided discussing the uncomfortable science around heavy metals leaching into the Athabasca River, the hundreds of reported and unreported spills, inadequate water monitoring and deficient health studies on the downstream First Nations.

I doubt also that he discussed the wasteful and damaging PR war between Alberta and other countries, which can only be avoided by strong leadership – setting high standards, monitoring those standards independent of industry (not depending on industry reports) and enforcing standards with a consistent and significant consequence for failing to meet the standard. More media spin will not improve our international reputation – or the local reputation…

Mr Stelmach’s response is embarrassing… embarrassing not only to our major industry and our international consumers but more profoundly to Albertans who care about our future.

Negligence and denial are a serious threat to our future.

Alberta has an unmatched energy industry known around the world for its commitment to efficiency, innovation, and entrepreneurship. They should also be recognized for the very real commitment they have to the environment. I would work with the industry to ensure the highest standards in oilsands and tailings waste management, cap emissions in the next 5 years, invest substantially more in clean energy and energy efficient technology. Given the abilities of Alberta and Albertans we could be producing the cleanest oil in the world within 10 years.

I want Albertans to be proud again of our province in both oil and gas development and new technology that honors our commitment to our children.

Over the Top Activism? Maybe, but Perhaps it Will get us Moving

The Conservative government likes to talk the talk about economic diversification and sustainability, but when will we see any real action?

We need to strive for that balance of supporting the pillars of our current resource-based economy while at the same time transitioning to a more sustainable way of living. It is no easy task to reevaluate those aspects of our society which have become routine and comfortable but which are diminishing innovation and economic potential of current and future generations. Indeed, this transition will be difficult, especially in fragile economic times. For this reason, however, real action is more necessary than ever.

The actions and expressions of activists from around the province- even those actions which are unconventional and out of our comfort zone- might be the kick we need to change. These actions force us to ask: are we walking the talk? What active measures are we taking, as a concerned society, towards becoming more economically and environmentally sustainable?

Despite what other Alberta political parties might believe, we cannot wait passively in the hinterland and let the market achieve these sustainability objectives itself. We need a clear vision for a new economy based in energy efficiency, conservation, alternatives and renewable with incentives to level the playing field with carbon-based fuels. People who are taking action to become more sustainable, such as retrofitting their homes and exploring new transportation methods, should be encouraged. If the market doesn’t support these crucial social actions, governments must. Other provinces and countries are doing much more that Alberta. It’s time to show the leadership and gain a business advantage before it’s too late.