You might recall the old joke about a gentleman claiming to be an admiral in the Swiss Navy. Switzerland is of course a landlocked country. Save for a few lakes, it doesn't have access to enough water to float a navy!
The Province of Alberta is landlocked, too! Our natural resources must be shipped to customers overseas, yet we have no deep-water, ocean ports. We must rely on our neighbors to provide those facilities. It is absolutely necessary that Alberta's petroleum products, grain, coal, forest products and other products be able to be sold on the international market. Without that ability to sell its products, Alberta will stay on the list of "have-not" provinces forever!
Premier Notley (or should I say Admiral Notley) is desperately trying to make sure that Alberta has and continues to have access to seaports for its natural resources. That's not an easy task!
The way I see it, we have three directions to go; West through B.C., South through the U.S.A. and East through Saskatchewan. Each direction presents challenges. There are environmental concerns, indigenous peoples' concerns, and economic concerns in each direction! B.C.'s Green Party leader says there is a simple solution; no movement of Alberta's resources through British Columbia. Quebec's city mayors have the same solution! And the on-again-off-again-on-again Keystone project shows me that the U.S. has a similar attitude. How does Premier Notley convince these folks that that is NOT an option?
These access corridors must be created! We need some kind of a commission or board to deal with each and every issue in each direction. Our environment must be preserved and the rights and concerns of everyone must be addressed. All options must be explored! Everyone must be treated fairly! Saying "no" just because you can is not an option!
