Constituents worry about government direction
By Lethbridge Herald on August 26, 2023.
AT THE LEGISLATURE
Shannon Phillips – NDP MLA for Lethbridge West
Happy Whoop Up Days everyone! I walked in the parade alongside MLA Janis Irwin—the Critic for Housing—and we were delighted to greet so many of you out enjoying the festivities (especially out in the rain!). As you check things out this weekend, also be sure to stop by the brand new Agri-Food Hub and Trade Centre.
The end of summer is a time of harvest and hope, but this year, I know there is also a lot of worry. I have heard from so many of you who are concerned about the forest fires in BC and NWT. I have also heard from people worried about their record-high electricity bills that have been increasing at an unprecedented rate for those on a regulated-rate option. And many of you have reached out to express your dismay that, in the face of such high electricity costs and in a summer of devastating forest fires, the Alberta government placed a moratorium on renewable development.
As you’ve surely heard, the Alberta government announced that the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) will pause approvals of new renewable electricity generation projects over one megawatt until Feb. 29, 2024. I spoke to media on Friday, August 18th, about the decision.
In southern Alberta, we have been a leader in renewable energy development for nearly 40 years. It’s a multi-billion dollar industry that has benefited plenty of local industries, and we cannot let it be jeopardized by these reckless actions. This moratorium is anti-business. It creates uncertainty for any industry looking at Alberta, who are now left wondering if their business or industry could be next to face this sort of freeze.
Our team will continue to advocate for policies that enable more investments in renewable energy projects, while advancing reliable, affordable, and low-emissions electricity for all Albertans. Most recently, we called on the government to engage in public hearings with energy stakeholders and lift the ban on new jobs and new investment.
In the upcoming Fall session of the Legislature, our NDP Opposition caucus will continue to fight hard for the things that matter the most to Albertans. As you have seen this week with the abrupt decision by the government to take back lab services under the umbrella of AHS, the UCP have felt a lot of pressure about their record on healthcare and the economy. But the Minister of Health, in announcing the lab services change, could not provide any idea what this would cost the taxpayers for that failed experiment in privatization. We deserve better answers than what the Minister has provided.
Meanwhile, in recent months it has become news that some medical clinics have moved to a members-only private model. Many of you have reached out with your clear support for a public healthcare system that puts care ahead of cash. In response, our Opposition caucus has drafted a bill to prevent members-only medicine in Alberta, once and for all. This speculation around paying to see a doctor is unacceptable. We are working to understand the full scope of the issue and advocate for what is best for the people of Alberta.
And now, as we head into September, there’s lots of community events to check out. Be sure to get your tickets for Oktoberfest YQL 2023—happening at Festival Square downtown from September 8-9th—for some live music and great drinks!
On Sunday, September 17, register for the Terry Fox Run at Legacy Park Picnic Shelter. Run, walk, bike, wheelchair—all are welcome for this great cause. Lethbridge College’s Coulee Fest is the same weekend – check them both out!
Saturday, September 23 the Lethbridge Public Library hosts Word on the Street – a massive festival celebrating the written word. Come to meet authors, participate in events for young and old, and see all the Public Library has to offer our community.
Lethbridge Arts Days are also September 21-24, and Friday, September 22 is Taste of Mexico at the Southern Alberta Ethnic Association Multicultural Centre.
On top of getting the kids back in to their routines and activities, September is full of weekend fun for everyone. I hope to see you out and about.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, I want to hear from you. Our office is open by appointment and we can also provide some forms of notarizing and commissioning services for no fee. Please call in advance so my staff and I can best assist you.
You can reach our office by calling 403-329-4644 or emailing lethbridge.west@assembly.ab.ca.
16-15
As usual, Ms. Phillips misrepresents the situation surrounding the moratorium on renewable energy projects. There is no “ban on new jobs” in renewable. Proposed projects continue to be evaluated,and with $ 33 billion dollars in proposals there is only a pause in their evaluation process.More attention should be given to Small modular nuclear possibilities , which are 100 % reliable, emissions free,can be run 24/7 a week, can be manufactured quickly and are safe.
On the other hand wind and solar are not reliable, their operating rates are generally only about 30% of capacity.In the case of solar, large acreages of land are required and their efficiency drops by approximately 5% annually.
How long is Ms. Phillips going to have the lead opinion on the Herald website. This is day five. One comment so it would appear people have turned her off.
You sure excel at whining.
Agreed. It’s a no-brainer that any concerns re: renewable energy could have been handled without a moratorium. Certainly, the moratorium was ideologically motivated by the Smith UCP, while oil and gas operators continue to get way with not, cleaning up their messes, let alone the negative repercussions of the tar sands….all allowed to go on, and on, for years. The Smith UCP gong show goes on.
So it’s alright to do environmental impact studies on oil and gas but, not renewables?
I guess it was also alright when nutley did a royalty review that even her own experts said was unnecessary that added to unemployment in the oil industry that was already down due to global prices. Remember nutley caused the loss of 185000 jobs due to the review and chased billions away in investment
Yawn…another mindless rant by SP. More fake news, sensationalism.
Lying Shannon Phillips is such a hack.
DrDave is dumber than a stick.