Daniel: âIreland only needs one resource. We have brains!â
Twenty years later, Albertaâs economy is at crossroads. Alberta has a highly educated workforce and yet our minds seem to be valued less than the provinceâs energy resources. Finance Minister Travis Toews stated during the 2021 budget announcements, âSome suggest diversifying the economy requires a transition from our traditional sectors such as energy. Let me be clear, Mr. Speaker. That is not this governmentâs position.â
Alberta is falling behind while much of the world transitions to a technological and carbon-free future. Iron and Earth, a not-for-profit established by petroleum industry workers, calls for a green recovery and actively promotes the retraining of fossil fuel workers for careers in solar and wind energy. Environmental Defence Canadaâs âSteady Pathâ report makes a case for winding down Albertaâs fossil fuel industry in a controlled manner over the next 20 years. Both organizations believe a planned transition will be more successful than a late reaction to new global economic realities.