Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Alberta Premier Daniel Smith were at odds again Wednesday after at least some in the oil region suggested they were putting profits ahead of securing the long-term future of workers. I noticed that
in interview upon Real Talk Ryan Jespersen Prime Minister Trudeau said that by “backtracking” on decarbonization, parts of the oil and gas industry are actually turning their backs on oil sands workers. Those comments caught the attention of Smith, who fired back on social media, calling his comments “ridiculous” and accusing him of using Alberta as a punching bag to get votes. .
Trudeau made the comments to Jespersen when the prime minister was asked why so many oil industry workers feel there is no support from the federal government.
“In some areas, some of the oil sands companies are very innovative and are leading the way in their fields, which is great. And we’re encouraging them and investing with them. We are supporting them with investments in decarbonization,” said Prime Minister Trudeau.
“But there are people who are folding their hands and saying, “You know, the world is still going to need oil for another 10 years, decades more. I need it.
“So why raise costs and invest in innovation now when you can make a profit doing the same thing you’ve been doing for decades, and leave people with a dirty mess?” Given the fact that there will be no job because you are not ready for a future job? ”
When asked by CBC News which companies Trudeau mentioned in the interview, a spokesperson for the prime minister’s office said he had nothing to add beyond those comments.
during his interview real talk, The Prime Minister went on to say that businesses that are “dragging behind” may be suggesting that today’s businesses’ job is to extract profits, and that such issues are for the next generation to deal with. He said no.
“That’s what’s hurting oil sands workers. They’re the ones who say, ‘Oh, no, no. Climate change is a conspiracy from the Liberals or China. We don’t have to worry about it. We just keep doing things.’ We’ve been lied to by people.” It’s exactly the same as it was 10 years ago, 20 years ago,” Trudeau said.
“This is not preparing us for a future that Albertans, like all Canadians, know is changing.”
In the interview, Prime Minister Trudeau criticized provincial leadership for hesitance in tackling climate change and emphasized the importance of Alberta’s role in leading Canada’s transition to renewable energy and meeting climate goals. Emphasized gender.
“If we can build the technology needed for oil sands refineries, we can also build the technology needed for hydrogen plants. If the Alberta government can get past the ideological opposition, Albertans will have great access to these jobs in the future. ‘We can do it.’ It’s good for workers and it’s good for the planet,” Trudeau said.
Prime Minister Trudeau visited Edmonton to announce $175 million in funding as part of the Federal Housing Accelerator Program. The program will be used to build 5,200 new homes in the city over the next three years.
Mr Smith says Prime Minister’s press conference was ‘ridiculous’
Smith gave a televised address Wednesday, proposing that Alberta cut spending by 2050 to expand the Heritage Savings Trust Fund to reduce the province’s resource revenue.
She quickly responded to Trudeau’s interview on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“I know Albertans don’t take his absurd claims seriously, but I think this premier, like his father before him, is punching Albertans to win votes in other parts of the country.” It’s sad to see people trying to use it as a resource,” Smith wrote. .
“Instead of attacking our province, Mr. Trudeau could have informed the government about his visit to Alberta and invited him to meet with me to discuss our great energy sector and workers.”
The prime minister also suggested that Trudeau called Albertans “stupid.” Prime Minister Trudeau said in an interview that Albertans are being fooled by right-wing politicians.
“If the Alberta government were to make huge investments in decarbonization and renewable energy, which would be good for workers and good for the planet, it would probably be good for classic oil sands companies. “If you look beyond the ideological opposition to doing something that isn’t there, frankly, this is the dynamic where Albertans are being fooled by right-wing politicians,” he said.
In a post to I hope so. I am waiting for the prime minister’s call.”
A staff member at the premier’s office said Smith’s office had been notified that the prime minister would be in Alberta. Asked for a follow-up, a spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office said her comments were correct.
Oil and gas industry profits soar
Oil and gas industry profits have soared post-pandemic, with 2022 being the most profitable year in oilpatch history, with CEO compensation in the oil and gas sector soaring into double digits.
Alberta’s oil production also hit a new record as producers ramp up toward completion of the Trans Mountain expansion project, which was acquired by the federal government in 2018 when the project’s future was uncertain.That project suffered extensive damage. cost overrunOnce operational, it is expected to increase Canada’s oil export capacity by more than 500,000 barrels per day.
Keith Stewart of Greenpeace Canada said companies always prioritize profits and shareholders.
“Anyone who claims otherwise is trying to fool you. And Albertans are not fools. They’re worried about the arrival of electric vehicles and how that will reduce demand for what’s currently being sold. I understand,” Stewart said.
“They should skate where the puck goes, instead of being left behind and recreating the experience of Newfoundland’s cod industry.”
CBC News has reached out to Pathways Alliance, a consortium of Canada’s largest oil sands companies, for comment. Oil sands companies are currently working on developing a proposed $16.5 billion carbon capture project.
CBC News has also reached out to the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers for comment.
Richard Masson is an executive fellow at the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy and chair of the World Petroleum Council Canada, which hosted the World Petroleum Conference in Calgary last summer. The theme of the international conference was energy transition and the “path to net zero”.
Masson said the oil and gas industry is working hard to reduce emissions but faces challenges from opaque regulations and lengthy approval processes.
“This is a really complex problem. It’s going to take the combined efforts of the federal government, state governments and industry to tackle it. And if we can’t solve it in the short term, we’re going to be left behind.” ” Masson said.
On Thursday, Alberta’s Environment and Protected Regions Minister Rebecca Schulz accused the federal government of dragging its feet in passing an investment tax credit for carbon capture, utilization and storage projects.
“As we execute on our plan to meet the world’s energy needs, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050, Ottawa will stop working against us and act in the best interests of Albertans and all Canadians.” It’s time to start working with them,” she said in a written statement. statement.
Lori Williams, a political analyst at Mount Royal University in Calgary, said the prime minister and federal Natural Resources and Energy Minister Jonathan Wilkinson have historically been particularly at odds with Alberta’s premier on some of these issues. He said that he did not seem to be proactive about it. , that calculation is subject to change.
“Responding to attacks that have been occurring for a long time may make some political sense, and may even be understandable. This may be the most effective way to address some of the differences between the two. I don’t know if it’s in a formal way, it’s at the government level,” Williams said.
At the same time, Williams said some of Smith’s characterizations of Trudeau’s comments were not accurate.
“She claimed he called Albertans stupid, but that’s not what he said at all. He warned against being fooled or deceived by certain initiatives and claims. ” Williams said.
The Alberta and Ottawa working groups have been meeting since September with the goal of finding an agreement on emissions reductions and energy development.
