D.Smith's environmental chief urges Carney to expedite action,time is running out

A Sense of Urgency: Alberta Environment Minister Rebecca Schulz Weighs in on Prime Minister Mark Carney's Inaction

As a key member of Premier Danielle Smith's close advisory team, Alberta Environment Minister Rebecca Schulz provides a candid assessment of the current state of affairs in the province. With the UCP government overseeing environmental issues, Schulz is also intricately involved in the "Alberta Next" initiative, which engages residents across the province beyond the political elite. As the province gears up for significant votes next year, including a potential referendum on separation from Canada, Schulz's insights are more crucial than ever.

Schulz's frustration with Prime Minister Mark Carney's slow pace is palpable. Despite Carney's rhetoric on national unity, a robust economy, and Canada's aspirations to become an energy superpower, Schulz perceives a disconnect between the Prime Minister's words and actions. "He needs to deliver; anything less won't be accepted by Albertans. Time is running out," she emphasizes. The Environment Minister echoes Premier Smith's earlier hopes for Carney to take decisive action by mid-September, particularly in reforming or eliminating regulations that hinder investment in the oil sector.

Schulz notes that Carney's approach of proposing measures to bypass detrimental laws, rather than abolishing them, only underscores their inadequacy. "Why not simply eliminate the emissions cap on oil and gas, modify the net-zero power regulations, and transform the No More Pipelines law into a More Pipelines law?" she asks rhetorically. The Alberta government's patience is wearing thin, and Schulz believes Carney must take swift action to demonstrate his commitment to the concerns of Canadians and Albertans.

The Alberta Environment Minister is not afraid to speak her mind, and her comments are laced with a sense of urgency. "He must eliminate bad laws hindering investment. We've had enough lip service. It's time for the Prime Minister to fulfill his role. He needs to act swiftly." Schulz suggests that Carney could easily address the public tomorrow and announce the abolition of the oil and gas emissions cap, leaving many wondering why such an announcement has not been made yet.

Schulz also addresses the criticism from Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi, who accuses the Smith government of instigating conflict and promoting Alberta separatism. Schulz believes Nenshi is out of touch with Albertans, as reflected in his declining poll numbers. The Environment Minister points to the significant support for Alberta having "more sovereignty" within Canada, without recurrent federal interference, as evidenced by the Alberta Next events.

While expressing cautious optimism about the future, Schulz acknowledges the "real risk of a national unity crisis" if the situation doesn't improve. "I'll be honest. With each passing day, that optimism diminishes. The ball is now in Carney's court." As the clock ticks on, the people of Alberta, and indeed Canada, await decisive action from their Prime Minister. Schulz's words serve as a stark reminder that the time for rhetoric is over; it's time for tangible results.

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