Environment
No matter how you look at it, the energy industry is key to Alberta’s long-term success. Even though we want to move to less carbon-intense energy sources, the world will continue to rely on traditional fossil fuels for some time to come. But instead of looking at constantly punishing industry through regulations, taxes and increasing royalties, I believe in taking a different approach; building on the successful partnership that all Albertans have with the energy industry. This partnership needs to be fostered through incentives, sensible regulations, an environment that attracts investment and, most importantly, environmental stewardship principles and rules that encourage companies to reduce their total footprint.
To do this, I am interested in seeing:
- A stable and price sensitive approach to energy production.
- An internationally competitive fiscal regime that attracts investment capital and makes reinvestment attractive.
- Strong and effective education and research initiatives that result in much more energy-efficient homes, businesses and government offices.
- Modern building and land use-planning codes to have high-energy conservation standards.
- The effective promotion and marketing of Alberta’s energy supplies which are among the most diverse in the world (oil, gas, oil sands, wind, hydro, solar, etc.).
- The development of value-added facilities through tax incentives.