What is the motivation for premier’s trip to Germany?

By Lethbridge Herald on November 30, 2022.

Editor:

 Danielle Smith. Does she have Indigenous roots, Ukrainian heritage or is she just the tooth fairy? In the most recent development, her government has decided to sprinkle fairy dust amongst the electorate in the form of inflation relief payments targeted at families and seniors (who make up the bulk of voters) and ignores minimum wage single persons (who are less likely to vote and are probably in the most need)  in an attempt to mask the bad taste left behind as a result of careless and thoughtless statements made by their current leader.

The “silly season” is now upon us and this does not reference Christmas. No, I am referring to the months preceding an election. It is a time of smoke and mirrors. A prime example is the announcement that Alberta will be sending a contingent of advocates to Germany to promote Alberta LNG to Europe. This would have us believe that Smith is stepping out in front of the federal government to support the interests of Alberta. Ever the righteous rebel. 

In fact, what it really does is underline the appalling lack of understanding Smith has around the reality of the current state of LNG infrastructure in Canada. A trip to Germany now is a little like trying to sell the apples before you have grown the tree. Is she going to try to talk Germany into an unlikely proposal for a multi-billion-dollar east coast LNG facility and worry about pipelines later? Or is this just a good excuse to take a tax-funded trip to Germany under the camouflage of energy due diligence to create an impression prior to May?

I will let you be the judge. Just remember it is the silly season and nothing is as it appears.   

Peter Burns

Lethbridge