Oilpatch benefits all Canadians

Every Canadian should be standing up and applauding Brett Wilson this week for his request for intelligent and patriotic action. He clearly pointed out the significant losses Canadians are encountering by the missteps of federal and provincial governments.

As a former Easterner who worked in the oilpatch and lives in the West, I see how eastern politicians get it so wrong when it comes to the West, and sadly so, too, has our present Alberta government. The oilpatch is good for all Canadians.

As Canadians, we need to understand that we take significant technical steps to produce our resources in a more environmentally friendly manner than many of the countries Canada and the U.S. imports from, and we need to always protect the value of our resources for the continued health and welfare of our country.

As Wilson states, “We need leadership.” Temporarily cut production as Premier Lougheed did in the 1980s. Stand up for Canada’s best interests and approve and develop infrastructure systems to allow resources to be priced at world premium prices. Demand that our politicians defend our ability to develop our resources and inform the international community that Canada is a solid place to do business.

If not, sadly, we will see more plant closures, more funds allocated to less ethical countries, no more need for pipelines, more brain-drain of our youth, more technology regression — more erosion of Canada.

Rick and Bonnie Hoath, Calgary