|
THE HONOURABLE STÉPHANE DION STATES THAT ALBERTANS
HAVE EVERY REASON TO BE OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THEIR FUTURE
EDMONTON, ALBERTA, April 12, 2001 – From all evidence,
Albertans are optimistic, and for very good reason. This was the message
delivered today by the Honourable Stéphane Dion, President of the Privy Council
and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, speaking at the University of
Alberta. "I think that you are right to be optimistic, and I have three
examples that demonstrate this," the Minister stated.
He drew his first example from his experience in
intergovernmental negotiations. He showed how influential the Alberta government
is in these negotiations by describing the circumstances leading up to the
agreement of September 11, 2000 on health system renewal. Premier Klein was
"instrumental " in convincing his colleagues that the joint
federal-provincial plan did not intrude in a field of provincial jurisdiction,
explained Mr. Dion.
"When the Premier of Alberta decides to get onside a
consensus, success is not far behind. We know what it takes to work with Alberta,"
the Minister added.
The Minister drew his second example from Alberta's efforts to
take control over its natural resources. While it is true, he stated, that
the Prairie provinces had to wait until 1930 to have a level of control over
their natural resources similar to that of the other provinces, they have
greater control than their counterparts in similarly energy-rich federations,
such as Australia and the United States.
Moreover, the Minister added, with the Constitution Act,
1982, the Western Accord of 1985 and with the Prime Minister's comments
last Friday (when he unequivocally ruled out the possibility of an energy export
tax), "our federal government considerably limits the use of its own
taxing powers in respect of natural resources " when compared with
what is going on in other federations.
"I do not know of any other sub-national entity that,
like Alberta, combines such a wealth of natural resources with such extensive
control over them," Mr. Dion stated, adding that Canada's energy
objectives will require strong cooperation between the federal government and
the Government of Alberta.
In order to help achieve these objectives, the Prime Minister
has established a Reference Group of Ministers on Energy Issues, Mr. Dion
explained: "It will be another fascinating opportunity for me to work
even more closely with Albertans and with your provincial government."
Mr. Dion used Alberta's economic diversification as his third
example to illustrate the fact that Albertans have good reason to be optimistic.
"Among Canadians outside Alberta, there is the sense that Albertans are
'rich' only because of their petroleum, while in fact, what you have done to
diversify your economy is impressive," he stated. Among other things,
he highlighted Albertans' high level of education, their great diversity, the
quality of their universities and the vitality of their cities.
"Canada is showing the world that diversity is a
strength, not a weakness. Alberta is an impressive illustration of that reality,"
Mr. Dion concluded.
- 30 -
For information:
André Lamarre
Special Adviser
Tel: (613) 943-1838
Fax: (613) 943-5553
|
