According to a report commissioned by the province of Alberta, a higher royalty is needed in the oil sands. Although I do not agree with the report completely, specifically not altering the 1% royalty for new projects, I believe it is a good start. Now let’s just hope that Stelmach actually implements the findings in this report… unlike what he did with the task force on affordable housing.

Globe and Mail

Alberta Energy Minister’s comment that an external review of Alberta’s oil royalties is too complex for Albertan citizens to understand is highly insulting. This government is getting way too comfortable in its seats and I think they will be really surprised after the results of the next election come out.

It seems like the Tory government thinks things can not get any better for Alberta and they’ve become complacent. Every day that Alberta clings onto the old royalty structure, Albertans are losing money and the oil corporations are getting rich! I’m here to say things can get better! There are still homeless people in our prosperous province. Our health care system is crumbling and grossly under funded. Our schools are falling a part, and school fees for elementary, junior high and high school are ridiculously high! The extra money from increased royalties could be used to eliminate these problems and there would still be cash left over. We could then use that extra money and fund the growing green energy industry in Alberta and become a world leader in sustainable energy. Of course the oil corporations will spread their propaganda through out different mediums stating that this would make all the oil companies leave Alberta because it would cost too much. This is a lie; the oil corporations are making record profits off of Albertan resources, while Albertans are getting nothing more in return.

We can do it. We have the choice. We just need to act.