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Editor has no right criticizing NDP

NDP changes are necessary for future of humanity says reader

Dear editor,

Uninformed editor?  Surely there must be a mistake!  In the Jan 21, 2016 edition, the editor was roundly criticizing our provincial government for its policies and referencing individuals who would like to remove the government.  It became quickly apparent that the article was just personal bias and not based on facts.  I expect the uneducated to lash out at policies which they don't obviously understand or care to research. Some just like the status quo.  It's disappointing when an editor does this.  I noticed your article lacked any statistics or information to support your arguments that the government is not doing a good job.

Perhaps you have heard of something called climate change but perhaps you haven't given your one sided view.  The climate policy that the NDP has introduced cludes phasing out coal plants, replacing some of our energy needs with cleaner sources such as natural gas and renewables, and a carbon tax to be implemented along with other changes.  This policy was not created by NDP but by all Albertans as they had opportunities both in person or online to submit their ideas.  Big oil companies including Shell Oil and other major stakeholders helped to draft the policy which was headed by a committee of experts in fields such as economics, change management and corporate sustainability as well as a representative of aboriginal people.  Medical professionals wholeheartedly endorse this policy due to considerable disability and death from pollution caused by coal plants.

These changes are necessary for the continuation of our only and very precious albeit polluted planet.  These changes are also necessary for the economic future of our province as we have lost face in the eyes of the world due to being a major polluter and emitter of greenhouse gases.  I invite you to read the entire policy at www.alberta.ca/climate.cfm

With respect to Bill 6, 9 out of 10 other provinces have similar legislation therefore is seen by the vast majority of Canadians as necessary and beneficial.  When Albertans complained they were not consulted about the changes, the government did the right thing and stopped the legislation in order to consult with those most impacted:  ranchers and farmers.

The Alberta NDP government has shown amazing leadership, integrity, wisdom and courage to bring in changes that Albertans needs in order to ensure a healthy environment and strong, diverse economic force for our children and generations to come.  I find they consult widely with the public on many issues and have brought in policies that have broad support of Albertans, myself included.

L. Soucy, Leduc County