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.

Category Archives: Economy

The Future of Oil & Gas

I had the privilege recently of attending the ARC symposium and listening to Peter Tertzakian speak about where the oil and gas market is heading over the next ten years. Mr. Tertzakian provided great insight into the influence of government policy on the oil and gas market as well as the over-reliance on oil as opposed to gas. Mr Tertzakian emphasized that change in this market is inevitable and over the next ten year we are going to see a rather significant shift to the use of gas.

Mr. Tertzakian predicts that by 2013 the gas industry will experience a re-birth as a result. By 2016 the market will focus on gas and oil will be a “commoditized commodity”. This shift to natural gas is beneficial to the environment in Alberta as it represents a 25% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions by comparison to oil and represents nearly a 50% decrease when compared to coal.

Mr. Tertzakian clearly stated that the government policy is the most influential force and that a constructive relationship of industry with government is essential to our future.

I believe a trust relationship between people and the government is even more important. The Stelmach government has failed both the oil industry and its citizens in assuring both high standards of production and reclamation and independent environmental and health monitoring.
I am committed to better stewardship to restore trust from citizens, industry and our customers.

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.

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.

Response to the Schindler Report

The peer-reviewed research of David Schindler’s team at the National Academy of Science on environmental pollution from oil sands development reveals that the Stelmach administration has not done nearly enough to protect Alberta’s watersheds or the international reputation of our oil and gas sector. Contrary to his government’s prior claims, toxic contamination of the Athabasca River can’t be entirely blamed on nature; oil sands development, including toxic tailings ponds, is almost certainly responsible. Slick communications strategies aren’t enough – the Premier must take direct action now.

Protecting human health and our lakes, rivers and wildlife requires independent, more accurate monitoring and enforcement. That means equipment and qualified specialists on the ground, with the tools, funding and enforcement powers necessary to do the job. Disincentives for polluters must have real teeth to encourage responsible development and restore our international reputation. This government’s decision to cut our environment department by $17.5 million this year speaks volumes about its priorities and its irrational fixation on public relations at the expense of real solutions.

Albertans want to be proud of our oil sands development. We’re leading the way in providing energy to the world; now we need to take the next step, by leading the way in real environmental protection. Human health, the economy and the environment are inextricably linked, and would be the top priorities of a David Swann government.

The Kitimat Connection

Canada and Alberta need more markets for our oil and gas, and Enbridge’s plan to construct a pipeline to Kitimat would open up those markets for us. Combined with the Alberta Liberal plan to increase bitumen upgrading here in Alberta and western Canada, the pipeline would guarantee greater prosperity and economic security for all Canadians.

The federal Liberal plan to ban oil supertankers off Canada’s northwestern coast, diverting them to the port at Vancouver, is well-intentioned, but it would make the Kitimat project impossible. And even worse, the ban doesn’t serve the supposed goal of protecting the environment. Vancouver’s harbour is incredibly busy– a far riskier environment for spills than the less-used port at Kitimat.

If I were Premier, I would work with British Columbia to ensure this pipeline is built to the highest environmental and safety standards. And I would work with all Western Premiers to keep the economic benefits of upgrading here in Canada.

MLA Expenses

Clean government involves accountability and transparency. Among my 12 Steps for Clean Government released two weeks ago I have called on the Stelmach government to open the books on expenses of all MLAs and their offices. Albertans deserve to know how their dollars are being spent by those they elected.

In Alberta, only the provincial Auditor General can access the specific information of expenses. The general public cannot. Unfortunately, the Alberta Conservative government has stated that the issue is not on the agenda and goes so far to say that there is no need for this information to be public knowledge.

As a commitment to the issue of financial accountability I will be posting the monthly statement of expenses for my constituency – Calgary Mountainview – in the coming weeks. This information will be available directly on my website for constituents and all Albertans to review.

Calgary Mountain View Town Hall

I hope you are able to take some time away from the exciting Olympic action to join me tonight at the Calgary Mountain View Town Hall. I look forward to speaking together with public finance economist Greg Flanagan and economics professor V. Nallainayagam on the future of Alberta’s economy. We hope to have a stimulating discussion in which Albertans will be able to voice their questions and concerns on this vital issue.

How can we move Alberta’s economy forward? What will a healthy economy look like in 2025? At this forum I will emphasize that wise spending, investing in the future, and stabilizing revenues are the crucial building blocks of a strong Alberta economy.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Where: Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Centre
1320-5th Ave NW
Calgary, Ab

When: 7-9pm

David