Alberta’s spin on ‘misread’ information leads to inaction over ‘just transition’ plan: Analyst

The federal government’s just transition legislation has become a point of contention over the past few weeks, as Alberta Premier Danielle Smith continues to rail against Ottawa for not supporting the province.

But what actionable steps are the province — and the premier — taking?

As much as Smith is calling out the feds for a bill she thinks is going to cut hundreds of thousands of jobs in the province’s biggest sector, her United Conservative Party government has not been transparent about its own plans for creating a more sustainable economy beyond the next few years.

Alberta has been quite progressive with its sustainable energy solutions, many experts agree, but those efforts don’t negate the fact the province has the highest emissions in the country.

The federal government’s efforts to bring forward new policy to support sustainability and lowered emissions has Smith defending her province’s largest industry.

The premier has said on multiple occasions the phrase ‘just transition’ uses ‘social justice’ language and is targeting Alberta’s oil and gas industry.

The office of the federal minister of resources has said time and time again — especially more recently — there is nothing about the ‘just transition’ plan that involves eliminating jobs.

Minister Jonathan Wilkinson is in agreement that different language needs to be used, saying he prefers to use the term ‘sustainable jobs’ rather than ‘just transition’ because it more accurately depicts what they’re trying to do, which is create a thriving, sustainable economy with great jobs.

According to Ottawa, the ‘just transition’ plan includes “helping industries adopt clean technology and transition to net zero emissions,” including carbon capture and storage; and reducing oil and gas pollution by capping industry emissions.