NAMI News
The latest trinational news.Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Alberta Tories take aim at Ottawa brethren
Globe and Mail, June 9, 2009 - “The Harper Conservatives are being taken to task by their provincial Alberta cousins, who say Ottawa is failing to inform them of key government policies, treats the unemployed unfairly and falls short in boosting the oil sands.The concerns are expressed in a list of talking points prepared last month for Alberta MLAs to raise with their federal Tory brethren in their home ridings. At one point, the talking points give kudos to Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff for backing the oil sands in response to a recent article in Canadian Geographic magazine."Why is the federal Liberal Leader giving more ringing endorsements about the importance of the Alberta oil sands than our Prime Minister from Calgary,” asks the document, obtained by The Globe and Mail. It also says the federal government does not consult the province on environmental policy. Environment Minister Jim Prentice, who is from Calgary, said he saw the talking points two weeks ago but was not concerned. He said he met with Premier Ed Stelmach last Friday and the document had not affected relations between the two sides. “I would say it is inaccurate and it doesn’t affect our relationship at all.” He added that, as Environment Minister, he consults with provinces before conferences. “In terms of our working relationship, it’s great.” He also said he regularly meets with his counterpart, Alberta Environment Minister Rob Renner” Read More.
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