Deron on Energy, the Economy, and the Keystone Pipeline
There has been little discussion in the media regarding the pros and cons to building the Keystone Pipeline. It is assumed that the Keystone Pipeline is the only way to capitalize on our natural resources and to stimulate the Alberta economy. Furthermore, much attention seems to be focused on the US and their decision whether to allow the Keystone Pipeline to be built or not. But are we focusing too much on our neighbours to the south of us and forgetting about our own interests? Taken directly from the TransCanada website, “TransCanada believes Keystone XL will ultimately be approved, as it is too important to the U.S. economy and its national interest.” (http://www.transcanada.com/keystone.html)
That sounds great for the US, but what about Alberta?
Why are the provincial and federal governments so concerned with creating jobs in the States? Why has the Alberta government seemingly forgotten their commitment to Albertans to upgrade at least two-thirds of our bitumen here? Upgrading bitumen here would result in thousands of well paying, permanent jobs, billions of dollars in provincial corporate taxes and contribute to economic diversification. Why are we passing up an opportunity which we may never see again? If four new upgraders were built, it would increase provincial, federal and municipal revenues by $748 billion and add nearly 2 million jobs to the economy. (Source: Government of Alberta, “Alberta’s Value Added Oil sands: Opportunities and Bitumen Royalty in Kind,” September 2009).
What’s even more surprising is that the government of Alberta is not only aware of the benefits of upgrading and refining raw bitumen here, they even talk about it as a way to derive greater wealth through a long term strategy, yet refuse to follow their own plan. The government knows that adding value to our resources, through new upgraders and refineries, provides the province with numerous benefits, such as “long-term jobs and tax revenues on top of the royalties the province already receives for the resources.” (http://www.energy.alberta.ca/Initiatives/1509.asp#prosperity)
The Keystone Pipeline is not in our best interest. The Government of Alberta is about to make a monumental mistake. There is only one political party that is opposed to shipping raw bitumen, jobs and value-added revenue via the Keystone Pipeline to the US. There is only one party that sees the value in investing in our own backyard. The Alberta NDP is calling for a halt to the Keystone Pipeline and proposing a long term economic strategy for Alberta which includes processing, upgrading and refining raw bitumen here, ensuring Alberta will remain prosperous for generations.
Deron Bilous
Your NDP Candidate in Edmonton Beverly-Clareview
About Deron
"I became active in politics because we deserve more than what we're getting right now. We deserve a province with a vibrant and strong economy, jobs we can count on, housing we can afford, healthcare that's accessible, and an educational system that's second to none. We deserve a government that takes care of our environment and resources, and that's accountable and listens to its citizens. We deserve a government with principles, a vision and a plan."
