Union and community leaders warn that the Just Transition bill's politicization obscures workers' needs.
Alberta Government Opposes Just Transition Bill
The Alberta government, Canada's main crude-producing province, claims that the legislation will dismantle the oil and gas industry, which makes up 5% of Canada's GDP. Alberta's Conservative Premier Danielle Smith recently stated on Twitter, "When I hear the words "Just Transition" it signals to eliminate jobs, and for Alberta, that is a non-starter!"
Job Losses a Hot Topic in Alberta Ahead of Election
With the oil and gas sector employing around 185,000 workers, the Just Transition bill is a hot topic in Alberta ahead of the provincial election in May. Smith is using the threat of job losses to attack Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and rally her conservative base but has been criticized for misinterpreting the number of jobs at risk.
Government Aims to Soothe Concerns about Just Transition Bill
The Trudeau government is trying to alleviate concerns about the bill, which was first promised in 2019. A government source familiar with the bill, who is not authorized to speak publicly, stated that the legislation would be about principles to guide decisions and create jobs.
Alberta's Coal Phase-Out Offers Lessons
According to Gil McGowan, President of the Alberta Federation of Labor, the focus should be on helping communities adjust to sweeping industrial changes and economic diversification. He points to Alberta's recent coal phase-out as a case study. Later this year, Alberta's last coal-fired power station will convert to natural gas, part of an accelerated energy transition first announced in 2015 that will wrap up seven years ahead of schedule.
Potential for Job Creation in Renewable Energy
Research from the Parkland Institute estimates that up to 3,500 jobs could be created in renewable energy and coal-to-gas power station conversions. Lead author Ian Hussey now states that number was far too low, as "renewable investment had taken off in Alberta in a way that was never even dreamed of when we did that research." Think tank Clean Energy Canada estimates that 200,000 clean energy jobs could be created by 2030.
