While no one is likely to call Premier Ed Stelmach a fierce political fighter along the lines of Ralph Klein or Jean Chretien, his recent defence of the province's oil and gas industry shows that when push comes to shove he is capable of giving a good account of himself.
When no less a personage than U.S. president Barack Obama voiced concerns about the province's oilsands, and in particular whether the Alberta-owned resource is environmentally sustainable, Stelmach was quick to respond.
And by doing so, the premier has at least ensured that all sides of the environmental debate over the oilsands continue to be given due consideration.
In a widely reported speech, Obama jumped right into the ‘dirty oil' debate over the oilsands.
“These tarsands, there are some environmental questions about how destructive they are, potentially, what are the dangers there, and we've got to examine all those questions,” said Obama.
In response, Stelmach said his government will continue working with stakeholders to ensure the oilsands remains a major economic engine for Canada, but also that it is developed with the environmental impacts clearly in mind.
“We will have a land use plan we can point to that responds directly to those criticisms and that is predicated upon industry and as importantly, Albertans' continued input,” said Stelmach.
“The security of the American way of life is predicated in no small measure on a friendly supply of energy. And it's a message we have been driving home.”
Stelmach made an offer to Obama to visit Alberta's oilsands so he can formulate his views from first-hand knowledge. Hopefully Obama will take up the offer and come north for a visit.
“All I can say to the president and any of the staff that is giving the president advice is come see for yourself. It gives us an opportunity to tell the Alberta story,” said Stelmach.
One thing Obama should be told – if he doesn't already know it, and he should – is that Canada, and Alberta in particular, is one of the best friends he's got.
Specifically, Canada year in and year out and without interruption provides more oil, gas and electricity to energy-hungry Americans than any other nation.
So while Barack Obama has every right to ensure his country's energy needs are met through environmentally responsible means, he must remember that Alberta deserves due respect.
Stelmach has also called on Canadian federal election candidates to give the oilsands a fair hearing during the campaign.
Premier Stelmach is doing the right thing coming out in strong defence of Alberta's key oil and gas industry.
