Mr. Taylor: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There seems to be a bit of a misplaced focus when it comes to addressing the negative reputation that the oil sands are getting. 

On the one hand, this government is putting out promotional pamphlets in Alberta schools, and the Ministry of Energy is measuring their performance in shaping Albertans’ knowledge of the energy industry. But the danger to our industry comes, I think, from ignorance from outside the province.

To the Minister of Energy: why the misplaced priorities?

Mr. Liepert: Well, I wouldn’t agree with that statement, Mr. Speaker. It’s not one or the other. Clearly, one of the things that we need to do is continue to inform and ensure that Albertans understand the importance of the energy industry in this province. There have been and will continue to be initiatives externally. That’s not going to change.

The Speaker: The hon. member.

Mr. Taylor: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This week in budget debates the Minister of Energy acknowledged that the government was not doing enough to promote the oil sands. We agree. What is this minister going to do differently from the last Minister of Energy in that regard?

Mr. Liepert: I missed part of that question, Mr. Speaker, but I think that in essence it’s: what are we going to do? I would suggest to the member that we’re going to do many of the things we outlined in our business plan and more.

Mr. Taylor: To improve the reputation of the oil sands, the minister has to concentrate his efforts beyond Alberta’s borders. Given that, is the minister concerned about the clear failure of our lobbyists in our offices in Washington?

Mr. Liepert: Well, that’s not a fair statement, Mr. Speaker. You know, the world is – what? – 8 billion people or whatever it is. It’s a massive task to counter some of those well-funded organizations that want to destroy our industry. We need to do everything we can to fight back.

Alberta Hansard, February 18, 2010

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