Energy literacy gaps need remedial filling

In the absence of gatherings such as first ministers meetings, it’s become apparent to both provincial and business leaders that if differences are to be solved and a spirit of co-operation achieved to the benefit of the country, it is up to them to make sure it happens.

We have been seeing signs of this in recent months: The strong support shown by New Brunswick premier David Alward for Premier Redford’s Canadian Energy Strategy and Ontario’s Premier Kathleen Wynne stating while in Calgary several weeks ago, that she recognized the importance of the industry to her province’s economy and that it would be hypocritical for her not to support a Canadian energy strategy for that reason.

More recent signs include the framework agreement governing pipelines crossing from Alberta into British Columbia, in return for B.C. supporting the Canadian Energy Strategy initiative and, on Tuesday, a trade mission organized by the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal arrived in Calgary to explore opportunities for collaboration — either in Alberta, in Quebec, or both.

Organized by Alberta Enterprise Group, which is an organization representing Alberta businesses across the province, the trade mission follows on a visit to Quebec made by members of the AEG in 2012, and a meeting last June connecting energy players with Quebec companies for procurement opportunities.

These undertakings are critical not just from a business perspective but because they represent an opportunity to demonstrate the depth and breadth of economic activity in the province, explain how the energy sector functions, the associated oversight and the development potential.

In addition to energy, the recently signed free trade agreement between the European Union and Canada means opportunities for Alberta agriculture — for which there may collaborative opportunities between Alberta and Quebec.

“This mission is one example of how we can continue to build and continue to strengthen our ties across sectors and across cultures,” said Alberta Finance Minister Doug Horner, addressing the delegates on Tuesday morning.

It’s also another way to address the energy literacy gaps that persist across the country when it comes to energy development — telling Canadians that the benefits are felt across the country, not just in Alberta.

“There is a direct benefit to provinces ... the oilsands is a major part of that ... we need to explain that better,” he said.

This is particularly relevant today in Quebec, given the proposed reversal of Enbridge’s Line 9 and TransCanada’s Energy East project.

What was clear from the questions asked on Tuesday morning is that nothing should be taken for granted, either by the energy sector or the Alberta government, when it comes to the populations of other provinces understanding the benefits that accrue from having a strong energy sector.

What are those benefits to Quebec and elsewhere?

Horner made the point that Alberta needs the help of the other provinces to bridge the skills shortage, to supply both materials and manufactured products to the energy sector and supply the needed materials.

“We would love to make sure it’s more of a Canadian manufacturing solution ... and this means jobs in Quebec ... this means economic activity in Quebec, not in Alberta,” said Horner, adding that oilsands-related activity is expected to generate $63 billion in economic activity in Ontario over the next 25 years.

Events like this are important, says Horner, because it helps to further the Alberta government’s goal of opening market access, in which Quebec will play an important role.

What’s not helpful are studies such as the one released by the Mowat Centre for Policy Innovation at the University of Toronto on Tuesday, suggesting Ontario is well within its right to oppose pipelines crossing the province unless there is a tangible economic benefit.

The irony in this can’t be understated.

First of all, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne is supportive of Premier Redford’s Canadian energy strategy initiative. Second, companies owning the pipelines that are already in the ground in Ontario pay property taxes to the Ontario government; there already is an economic benefit. Third, see above: $63 billion in economic activity in Ontario associated with the oilsands. Fourth, there are about 60,000 people that come from other parts of the country to work in the oilsands and temporarily live in the work camps; that includes Ontario. They earn a good wage — and Ontario benefits because they still pay taxes in that province.

What this illustrates, yet again, are the energy literacy gaps that persist across the country, which must be addressed if there is to be anything achieved in the context of a pan-Canadian energy strategy.

The goal of “Rendezvous Alberta,” as the trade mis- sion between Quebec and Alberta business was billed, was to forge closer business relationships; to grow the trade between the two provinces beyond the $14 billion generated today. But there is an added benefit beyond the hard trade numbers. It leads to the possibility of Quebec businesses advocating in their province on Alberta’s behalf because the benefits accrue to all provinces across the country.

There’s nothing wrong with that.

In fact, some might suggest that’s exactly what being part of Confederation is all about.