Smith is squandering Alberta’s future

Today is a good day to say a hard “NO” to Premier Smith regarding pipeline expansion. Her petulance and bullying are wearying. Talk of carbon capture doesn’t solve anything. When you sweep dust under the rug, it’s still there! We have so many sources of natural carbon capture from native grasslands and peatlands to our forested watersheds on the western edge of our beautiful province. Investment in natural carbon capture protection is more secure than funding a declining industry and decimating eco-systems along the way.

Where is our conscience when we continue to increase our carbon emissions in a changing climate? Climate change is not a bad word, it is our reality and we are ALL responsible.

Albertans live on an edge of financial uncertainty. Boom and bust fluctuations in the oil and gas industry are guaranteed. In an up market the rich get richer, in a down market, the rest of us are “beneficiaries” of austerity dictums. Like right now with 730,000 kids out of school!

We could become a clean energy leader, our abundance of sunshine and wind is just waiting to be captured, developed and marketed. Our air would be cleaner. Our supply of water could be assured and our overall mental and emotional health would benefit as well.

“Alberta is calling” put forward by Jason Kenney has continued to be the clarion call of Premier Smith promising a land of abundance and opportunity. Gosh, she forgot about adequate housing, schools, healthcare and something as basic as water.

Our province is in tatters. We are in a chaotic state of flux. Fault lies squarely on Premier Smith’s shoulders. She refuses to be accountable, her listening skills are lacking. She panders to separatist fringes like the Alberta Prosperity Project and Take Back Alberta. Communication, collaboration and cooperation with the majority of Albertans seldom figure in HER dreams and aspirations. Without hesitation it is always the other guys’ fault.

Prime Minister Carney, I admire and respect your tenacity and patience in dealing with Trump. Sadly, our Premier often references his playbook. She is simply seeking power and adulation.

Many of our First Nations leaders plan ahead seven generations. Jane Goodall spent her entire life striving to leave the world a better place. As proud Albertans and Canadians, let’s start now leaving the world a better place too.

Jacqueline Chalmers

Claresholm