Edmonton is at a pivotal moment in our fight to protect the environment.
We can see with our own eyes the impacts of a changing climate all around us.
This summer, we have faced record-shattering heatwaves. The air is full of wildfire smoke. Flash flooding has damaged homes and businesses across the world. Not only does this impact our health and quality of life but it also adds additional financial burden for families, increasing insurance and food costs among other things.
Climate change is real. And transitioning how we power our homes, our businesses, and our city is no longer a far-away concept. It is fully underway.
I believe we can face the crisis of climate change together, and I see the opportunity to create long-term jobs, sustainable economic growth and improved quality of life—for all of us.
Canada has set an ambitious and necessary goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Edmonton must lead the way if we are going to accomplish this goal.
Edmonton is an industrial centre—and a high contributor of greenhouse gas emissions. In this, I see an opportunity. We are poised to be a leader in decarbonization technologies, and unlock billions of dollars in associated investment, construction and job creation.
We cannot do this alone. Edmonton must form a stronger partnership with our federal and provincial governments and regional partners. With the help of these partners, Edmonton can lead the way in attracting investments to help diversify our economy and create new, stable jobs.
This issue presents a genuine test for our city. I know we are up to the challenge.
Edmonton is a city with a long history in the energy industry. A history that I am proud of. And a history that sets us up for a future that we can all be proud of.
While our oil and gas sector will fuel our economy and prosperity for decades to come, we must seize fresh opportunities in new technologies and renewable energy to create economic growth and add well-paying middle-class jobs.
Communities that realize this and adapt will thrive—ones that try to hold on to old models and ways of doing things will fall behind.
Our youngest generations are showing real leadership here, and we have a responsibility to listen to them and move faster.
A tremendous amount of work is underway in Edmonton.
Our city has developed a comprehensive energy transition strategy to serve as a clear guide to deal with climate change, mitigate future costs and create green jobs. Now we need the political will to fully implement it. I believe I have the experience, knowledge and intergovernmental and private-sector connections to forge a strong coalition of partners to implement it.
Edmonton also benefits from a wide array of successful pilots including the ETS Electric bus roll-out, City support for rooftop solar and Canada’s first hydrogen HUB
Our City owns and operates Edmonton’s largest vehicle fleet, and facilities and building stock, making this an area where municipal decisions have an immediate and direct impact on emissions and climate change.
The energy transition plan calls for bold action like building a city-wide district energy system. This network would provide emission-free heating and wonderful benefits like free snow melting on our roads, making Edmonton safer, greener and more livable.
Edmonton needs the right leader to guide us through this pivotal time. My experience and leadership style make me the right person to lead us through the challenges to come.
I have spent much of my career working on energy and climate files. I know that some projects require steady consensus-building. I helped create Canada’s first-ever $180 billion long-term infrastructure plan including the creation of the Canada Infrastructure Bank to unlock private investments in green, sustainable projects. My work on the TransMountain Pipeline is well known.
Some projects require rapid action and bold investment. As Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources oversaw Canada’s Emerging Renewable Power Program, which deployed $200 million in investments into geothermal and other key industries. Now, we have the chance to build on Edmonton’s opportunities in sectors like hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, and advanced construction—but only if we can bring partners to the table to remove barriers and invest.
My work on energy and environment since 2007 has given me a wealth of experience, deep networks, and great personal relationships with all orders of government. These relationships will be essential for our city in the times to come.
Over the coming weeks, I will detail several environmental policies on my website. And, I will be asking for your thoughts and feedback on social media. Your voices matter to me.
Climate change affects all of us. What we do now matters.
I believe in Edmontonians. I believe we can face this challenge. And I believe that we can put aside our differences and imagine a brighter future than we have ever known.
Will you stand with me?
