Re: “How will lost oil-industry income be replaced?” Aug. 20.
May I suggest the letter-writer read the sustainable economy section of the Green Party’s platform on its website. In fact, Elizabeth May and the Greens have the best economic policies for Canada’s short- and long-term financial health. Countries, corporations and individuals around the world are investing heavily in alternative energy technology, while Canada’s alt-energy sector struggles (but still grows) with virtually no government support. This industry has the potential to create far more jobs, as it already is, across every province, than expansion of the oilsands would.
The British government is investing $1 billion in technology and testing of a road that will charge your electric car as you drive. Imagine the revenue windfalls to governments if you are paying them to “refuel” your car on a public road, instead of mostly foreign owned oil companies that gouge us at the pumps. Meanwhile, solar companies and battery-storage technology are advancing at breathtaking speed to provide the future clean electricity we will need.
Investing now, including taxpayer subsidies and capital tax credits to oil companies, to build pipelines to allow the oilsands expansion is foolish in the extreme. By the time these ever get built, the world’s energy needs will be well on their way to a massive shift.
It would be like investing in a new CD manufacturing plant.
Murray Gudmundson
Victoria
