As the ramifications of the 2016 federal NDP convention, held in Edmonton this past weekend, start to unfold, we find ourselves in the midst of fierce debate over the future of industry in Alberta and ultimately, in all of Canada.

 

There are a few major flaws in some of the arguments from those who wish to browbeat the rank and file of Alberta's NDP. Gil Mcgowan is one of those who is foisting upon us, faulty arguments to gain support for antiquated ideas held by the elitistist demagogues of the Alberta NDP First off, Gil uses his demagoguery to promote his double standards. Out of one side of his mouth he decries the political dilettantes from Toronto who are “tracking their garbage” across “our” front lawn and out of the other side of his mouth he praises a Notley NDP government staffed by many non-Albertans that is run from the Topp down. Yes Brian, that was a a jab at you and your puppeteering of Rachel for the benefit of your liberal friends in Ottawa.

 

Gil, your dividing of our country between east and west to promote your political agenda is a tactic out of the reform party play-book. Trumpesque stereotyping and demeaning of environmental progressives from the east borders on xenophobia and bigotry. Gil, you are better than that. We deserve to have an open and honest discussion in an effective way so that we can evaluate the ethics of moral issues we cannot hide from. We can no longer deny the elephant in the room and we will not tolerate bullying from cabinet minister wanna be’s like you.

 

Climate change is real; renewable energy such as wind, solar, and geothermal will help mitigate the damage already done, and we have a responsibility to ourselves, future generations of humans, and to all species on earth. We must act. immediate needs demand immediate action but if we take the action you want, which is the same action we got from 44 years of conservative governments here in Alberta, any new pipelines will plague and pollute populations of humans and other animals for the foreseeable future.

 

Gil, you say that “"They didn't give any thought to the political problems they're creating for NDP in Alberta”. I do not think you have even asked if those behind the leap manifesto considered the implications on the Alberta body politic. You also say “they were not thinking strategic”. Not only is this belittling, it is wrong.

 

Just like the Alberta NDP who took a principled stance with respect to LGBT issues and farm worker protection, those who devised the leap manifesto took a principled stance. When you talk about strategic, it means something different for people with different goals. those who support the leap manifesto have a goal of mitigating the negative effects of fossil fuels through a quick transition to renewable. If saving the planet is your goal then pushing the leap manifesto is a very strategic tactic to use. If your goal is to be around to get elected again, then building pipelines and placating the right are strategic for that goal.