Ms Blakeman: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In situ technologies have the potential of making the oil sands more environmentally responsible. 

While some companies are really taking a lead on environmental standards, there are no best practices in place because of weak regulations. With no hard targets, effective monitoring systems, or regional environmental thresholds in sight, there won’t be a level playing field any time soon. My questions are to the Minister of Environment. How bad does our reputation have to become for the minister to realize that protecting the environment is good for business?

Mr. Renner: Mr. Speaker, this minister recognizes that today. There is no need for this member to become concerned that we need to let the situation deteriorate before we act. We started acting yesterday.

Ms Blakeman: Back to the same minister: given that the out of sight, out of mind approach does not protect the environment nor create certainty for business, will the minister strengthen environmental regulations before approving any further in situ projects?

Mr. Renner: Mr. Speaker, the aspect of environmental regulations, like any other regulation, is ongoing. We constantly are strengthening our regulations to reflect current technology, and I see no reason why that won’t continue into the future.

Ms Blakeman: Well, we have nothing concrete. Okay. Given that we’re hearing of up to 80 in situ projects waiting for approval and given that we are in a slower period of our cyclical economy, why isn’t the government seizing this opportunity to get some best practices and stronger regulations in place?

Mr. Renner: We are, Mr. Speaker.

Alberta Hansard, April 12, 2010

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