Helping Alberta’s energy industry

By Leela Sharon Aheer Chestermere-Strathmore MLA

Hello Chestermere-Strathmore readers. Alberta has an incredible opportunity to create a multiplier effect in our oil and gas sector by creating a liaison office in Ottawa and Quebec to help mitigate the barriers our province faces concerning responsible resource development. We must recognize the critical role of our energy industry now and our future economic well-being. 

We will successfully access more of Alberta’s natural resources, from agri-food to critical and rare earth metals and minerals, hydrogen, and more; through the Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs, we will build strong relationships with these provinces. These negotiations and discussions need to start now. This will create stability for new investment, job security and prospects for incredible technological advancements in development and the environment as we find the balance of responsible resource development and our plans to reduce emissions and tackle climate change. The largest members of our energy sectors are already doing great work and we must support this work. 

The minister will leverage the strength and competencies of our industry and negotiate and look for compromises that work for all Albertans and Canadians. This necessary diplomacy is not complacent or ideological, as we have seen with many. We will build alliances with provinces to reopen the dialogue regarding the equalization formula and negotiate a fair deal for all Albertans. A fair and common-sense assessment of the approach will truly manage our resources and show the benefits to the world.

Our energy sector is at a crossroads, and with the federal government’s restrictions on our oil & gas sector, we need and must use all the tools available to bring a solution that will work for everyone. Let’s build. Let’s use our competencies and rise to the challenge that comes from growth opportunities. Let’s look at the incredible work ethic of our people, our most important resource. Our resources, both human and natural, are ready to power the world. 

This leadership race in Alberta will be an extremely critical election. Presently, 76,000 members will choose your Premier. Please make sure you get your membership and vote for the leadership candidate you believe is ready to lead our province forward.  Do not allow only 2.5 per cent of the population to make this decision for you. You have a voice, and you have a choice!

As always, we love to hear from you.

(Leela Sharon Aheer is the MLA Elect for Chestermere-Strathmore)