The COVID-19 pandemic and low price of oil has created unprecedented level of uncertainty in Alberta’s energy sector creating unemployment levels not seen since the Great Depression.
While talks about a federal bailout are up in the air, two opposition leaders think that aid money would be better spent elsewhere.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Green Party Leader Elizabeth May said if Canada wants to get out of the pandemic with a healthy economy the country should invest in renewable energy.
“That’s the only money that is going to be able to create a lot of jobs quickly and get the economy going again,” May said.
“Oil is dead and for people in the sector, it’s very important there be just transition funds that go to every worker and every community.”
Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet agreed with May saying money would be better spent on renewables calling the future of Alberta’s energy sector ‘condemned.’
“I think tar sands are condemned and putting more money into that business is a very bad idea,” Blanchet said.
On April 17, the Federal Government announced $1.7 billion to clean up orphan wells in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia and $750 million to help cut methane emissions.
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney thanked the federal government for the investment but called on them to consider more action to help the industry.
