Alberta Premier Gets Into Shouting Match With Environmental Activist At Rollout Of Green "Plan"

[hatrack]

EDMONTON - Premier Ed Stelmach went toe-to-toe with one of his harshest critics on climate change Monday as he released some details of his new "green plan." Stelmach was forced to defend his long-term plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions when an environmental activist ridiculed it following a speech at the Shaw Conference Centre.

The Conservative leader had just announced a $100 tax credit for Albertans who install energy-efficient appliances when he was challenged by a Greenpeace activist and member of a group called STOP. Paul Baker questioned how the premier could call his plan "green" when it won't reduce emissions until 2050. "We need reductions now," said Baker, who was clutching a Destroyer of the Year Award he wanted to present to the Tory leader. But Stelmach argued that faster action on curbing emissions will cripple the Alberta and Canadian economies and throw thousands out of work.

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"I'll tell you what," Stelmach said. "I'm for good change for Albertans. I am not for radical change. ... Your plan is totally wrong. Policy analyst Dan Woynillowicz of the Pembina Institute said he was skeptical about the premier's prediction of 335,000 job losses, saying that tackling climate change will spark new industries and technologies. Woynillowicz pointed out that there are not enough people in Alberta to fill current jobs.

After the confrontation with Stelmach, a member of the premier's security staff escorted Baker from the Shaw Conference Centre room.

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http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/story.html?id=6ba901f3-e5f8-474a-9816-168060512121

[LakeSamish706]

1. Another Stephan Harper crony in party.. Yeah, lets make change in 40 years... n/t

[whistle]

2. Isn't Ed Stelmach a neo-con?

[GliderGuider]

3. Yep. You don't become premier of Alberta unless you dance with the ghost of Leo Strauss.

Ed Stelmach