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The government’s choice does nothing but harm to renewable energy companies, creating uncertainty for investors. At a time when Alberta is experiencing rampant wildfires and drought, its renewables should have fewer roadblocks than fossil fuels, not more. Ironically, the oil industry has had a free pass on cleaning up thousands of old oil wells. Our government seems to care much more about oil industry profits than the health and future of our young people. This is immoral, if not villainous.
Alberta has already established itself as a renewable energy leader in Canada, attracting new investment and jobs to the province. Even our farmers benefit, being amply compensated for leasing their land for renewables. Alberta could address its concerns without a moratorium on renewable energy projects; reclamation issues are entirely manageable concurrently with new project approvals.
We need to continue and double down on the projects that are needed the most, for our health, our economy and our environment.
Victor Dorian, Edmonton
Alberta pension fund bound to fail
Here we go again. Under the veil of pursuing another “fair deal,” this time the Alberta pension fund (APF), Danielle Smith and her cohort, Finance Minister Nate Horner, are now bringing up the notion that this is a good idea. Do you recall how that worked with auto insurance and electricity? We now pay the some of the higher rates in Canada.
No doubt, within a few years, the APF will be the worst in Canada with the highest required contribution rates, lowest payout and worst fund investment management record. Look at the mismanagement of the Alberta public pension fund, abandoned oil wells, retardation of renewables, et cetera, that result in billions of dollars lost.
Let me guess who will run the new Alberta Pension Fund — AIMCo? They have proven to be bad investors. They lost $2.1 billion on a volatility-based strategy in 2020. Please keep your paws off my CPP.
Dale Hrdlicka, Edmonton
Net-zero goal needs realistic plan
It’s good to know that all our electrical needs down the road will be supplied by renewables. It’s good to know that we won’t need natural gas as a backup.
But what about the consumer side? Heat pumps require a 220-volt circuit. Hot water heaters require a 220-volt circuit. Electric cars require a 220-volt circuit. Many households have more than one vehicle. That’s a massive power draw just from one household. Any renewable power grid will have to be able to supply at least three to four times more electricity to satisfy our net-zero goals.
Will Canadians be able to sell their older homes down the road if they are not net-zero compliant? What about condos, apartment blocks and highrise towers? If these buildings have to be net-zero compliant, rent, condo fees and lease agreements will go through the roof. Is all affordable new housing construction net-zero compliant?
Apparently, there are tax credits, grants, loans, and incentives available. But the federal government is already in massive debt. This all sounds like another trip down Y2K memory lane. Canadians all agree that climate change is real. But we need a workable and affordable plan to achieve our climate goals. And we need to set up reasonable target dates that will enable us to achieve our climate goals.
Dennis Wanechko, Leduc
Don’t cut rec centre hours on holidays
The City of Edmonton does a great job in building infrastructure for its citizens to participate in many activities. Among the many activities available are: great parks, parades, recreation centres and gatherings in Churchill Square.
On a day that is a holiday, when most people have free time, the recreation centres reduce availability and operate on a holiday schedule. Isn’t this the time when the recreation facilities should be most accessible?
Wynn Payne, Edmonton
Reported ejection of fan shameful
I’ve recently learned of the ejection of longtime Edmonton Elks fan, Cameron Jones, from Commonwealth Stadium during the football game against the B.C. Lions. Jones’s crime? He was seen wearing a paper bag over his head as a sign of his disappointment over the Elks’ dismal performance this season.
I’ve been to many football games in my time and heard both cheers and jeers and chalked these up to being a key part in the whole live game experience. The incident was nothing short of embarrassing for the Edmonton Elks and the team should, at the very least, issue a public apology to Jones.
What’s next? Stadium security refusing entrance to fans of opposing football teams who could be wearing the wrong colours?
Rick Lauber, Edmonton
Halt on renewable energy is anti-business
Just when you thought the UCP might take a break on implementing really stupid policies, the Smith government comes up with a job-killing shutdown of approvals for wind and solar projects. In a summer when the impacts of climate change have been literally right in our faces, the Smith gang ignores science and the massive global trend towards green energy.
Alberta was leading the country in this technology but, hey, let’s scare off billions in investment. In a move to appease the Luddite segment of its base and gaslight the rest of us, the UCP has become an anti-business party.
Randy Gurlock, Edmonton
Public Health Act needs no changes
Justice Romaine has made a ruling that indeed shows that the UCP government took matters of COVID into their own hands despite public health orders. Many of us in health care watched in dismay, as week after week, the chief medical officer of health’s orders were violated.
Unfortunately, with Danielle Smith at the helm, Albertans will continue to see her misguided view of the Public Health Act. Alberta’s UCP has shamed us, yet again, with abuse that no other provincial CMOH has seen. The Public Health Act doesn’t need to change; what needs to change is the UCP’s interpretation of the act. But ust watch Danielle change it to her liking.
H.H. Kohel, St. Albert
Cartoon downplays defence spending
Malcolm Mayes might have his fun caricaturing Prime Minister Trudeau as absent and inactive regarding defence spending among NATO countries. It is true, our defence spending as a percentage of GDP is low, but I guess we have a high GDP. In dollar amounts, a little research shows that Canada’s defence budget is the sixth-highest of all 31 NATO countries, behind the U.S., Great Britain, France, Germany and Italy, and ahead of the other 25 member countries. The numbers show that we provide for close to seven per cent of the alliance’s budget.
I don’t know whether we should be paying two per cent of our GDP for defence or not, but we are by no means absent or inactive. Show that in a cartoon.
Lloyd Lovatt, Edmonton
