CALGARY, Alta.— Alberta's year-old New Democratic Party government is advancing policies to embed its ideology, particularly when it comes to energy issues. But is it listening to Albertans?
Premier Rachel Notley's plan for climate change and energy policy reform coincides with a steep drop in oil prices and economic free-fall in Alberta. How does this new government reconcile its legislative prerogative to push through a partisan mandate and its accountability to consult with the people of Alberta? And, in the midst of this polarized debate about climate change and energy development, why is it essential to hear citizens' voices?
It was clear that the NDP would take action in the areas of environmental responsibility and climate change; this was a major plank of their campaign. In advance of the COP21 climate change meetings in Paris last December, and in concert with the carbon policies announced by a new federal Liberal government, Notley advanced ambitious energy policies that included:
A refreshed climate change policy, including a broad-based carbon tax on all emissions;
Accelerated shutdown of coal-fired electricity generation in Alberta, and renewable energy quotas for electricity generation in Alberta;
A review of the oil and gas royalty system to assure that Albertans are receiving a fair return for their resources; and
A cap on oilsands emissions.
Notley's approach to energy and climate change included the appointment of expert panels, the Royalty Review Advisory Panel and the Climate Change Advisory Panel, to conduct studies and solicit public opinion. As well, the Alberta delegation participating in the December climate change talks in Paris included the premier and Environment Minister Shannon Phillips, supported by pro-climate-change advocates and industry. These policies garnered much-needed positive international feedback during the COP21 process.
Now Albertans live with the aftermath of these commitments, because - make no mistake - these changes will affect Albertans, not policy-makers in Edmonton.
When it comes to climate change and energy choices, policy-makers speak as if they know what Albertans think and want. But not everyone is sure we have actually heard citizens. Last September, a group of us launched a short-term initiative called ViewpointsAB to find out what Albertans were thinking. Between Sept. 11 and Dec. 11, half a million Albertans responded to our invitation to speak up about climate change and the future of energy in Alberta. ViewpointsAB was entirely supported by volunteers with no financial or organizational support from government, political parties, special interest groups, private sector companies or traditional media.
ViewpointsAB emphasized individual sharing of viewpoints without editing or reductionism; sharing of knowledge and ideas; provincewide outreach targets; and ongoing sharing of viewpoints with decision-makers and media.
We also spent considerable time determining the best questions to ask Albertans. We didn't want to skew the opinions, and decided on open-ended questions that allowed people to speak to issues they cared about and to be honest about their preparedness for change, their understanding of choices and their assumptions. We intended to read the provincial pulse rather than push people in any particular direction. Responses were more emotional than we anticipated - anger, shame and shaming, and frustration emerged.
Based on our pulse-taking, Albertans accept change should and will occur, and they have an appetite to discuss how: How will Alberta fairly allocate a cap on oilsands development among investors? How will energy efficiency incentives be made available with clear accountabilities and without creating a subsidy economy? How will coal plant shutdowns be accelerated without creating stranded assets? How will research into green energy be funded and prioritized? How do we minimize duplication of infrastructure as we increase renewable electricity? How do we retain and attract investors? How do we build support for workable pipeline approval processes? How do we implement better practices in non-renewable energy projects? How do we maintain economic and secure supply of vital energy in our cold, unforgiving climate? Will there continue to be well-paying jobs in this re-imagined new world? And how do we remain competitive?
In an attempt to appease critics and inspire accelerated change, Alberta's leaders are framing the choices for our energy future in bold, positive language. Yes, citizens agree, our province is moving through a paradigm shift and disruption may be what's needed.
But these changes can only be sustained if Albertans believe in the choices. Engagement across a spectrum of viewpoints is essential to building an innovative path forward that can be implemented.
— Donna Kennedy-Glans, QC, a Calgary lawyer and businesswoman, is a former Progressive Conservative and independent member of the Alberta legislature. @dkennedyglans. A version of this column previously ran in Policy Magazine.
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