LOOK PAST OILSANDS

There was no surprise that the provincial government has named a panel to provide advice on how Alberta can reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. What is surprising is that the five members will each be paid $ 600 a day in a process that is expected to cost taxpayers $ 859,000 before its recommendations are released this fall.

One can’t expect the group to dig into their own pockets to take part in the review, but surely the panel members — including an executive from Enbridge, a member of the Pembina Institute board, and its chairman, a University of Alberta economist — must be happy to have a seat at the table as Rachel Notley’s government decides what it’s going to do about emissions. Do we really need to pay energy executives and environmental groups what amounts to $ 75 an hour for an eight- hour day for what should be part of their mandate and passion — ensuring that Alberta conducts itself in the most environmentally friendly fashion that’s economically possible?

The Pembina Institute’s Stephanie Cairns joins a growing list of non- Albertans who are being recruited by the government to manage our economy — an economy that has been the envy of the nation. Asked if some of the oilsands should be left in the ground, the British Columbia resident reportedly replied after a lengthy pause: “I think that’s part of the conversation we’ll have to have.”

We agreed with Wildrose environment critic Todd Loewen, who said, “I think that’s very disturbing and unacceptable for anybody to comment in Alberta that the oil has to stay in the ground.”

Frankly, it’s to be hoped the well- paid panel will cast its eye beyond the oilsands, even though it’s an easy target for those who want to harm Canada’s economy. The oilsands account for less than 10 per cent of Canada’s greenhouse gases, and Canada itself contributes less than two per cent of the world’s total. Certainly, there’s a role for the energy sector to play, but it shouldn’t have to shoulder the burden alone.

It’s a given that producing oil and gas involves the creation of greenhouses gases, but the bulk of the emissions are generated by the burning of the fuel, not in its processing and transportation. How does punishing the oilsands reduce emissions created by fuel imported to North America from Saudi Arabia and Venezuela? It’s a point willingly overlooked by U. S. President Barack Obama, a handful of premiers and federal NDP Leader Tom Mulcair.

Let’s hope Alberta’s climate change panel is worth the money it’s being paid and is able to develop a comprehensive plan that doesn’t come at the expense of the economy.