NWT feels political shake-up in Alberta
New NDP government will have impact on the North, say political leaders
Paul Bickford
Northern News Services
Monday, May 11, 2015
NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
On May 5 a political earthquake shook one of the NWT's neighbours to the south.
After 40 years of PC rule, Rachel Notley was elected Premier of Alberta under the New Democratic Party May 5. NWT political leaders are in agreement that the Alberta shake-up with affect the NWT. - photo courtesy of Dave Cournoyer via Wikimedia Commons |
And tremors from the New Democratic Party's historic provincial election win in Alberta - under the leadership of soon-to-be Premier Rachel Notley - will likely be felt in the North for years to come.
"We in the Northwest Territories, of course, are so linked to Alberta in so many different ways," said Dennis Bevington, the MP for the Northwest Territories.
"What happens there is very important to us. We share environment, we share business, we share travel, we share hospitals and we share post-secondary educational institutions. Those are all things that are important to northerners, as well as Albertans."
The MP said the NWT is affected by whatever political party is in power in Alberta and how it delivers services, because Northerners use many of those services.
"I'm looking forward to a progressive government in Alberta dealing with issues," he said.
For example, he said he believes that an NDP majority government in Alberta will mean that there will be better oversight of the oil sands.
"I absolutely think that's the case. I think we're going to see positive changes there," he said.
"Ms. Notley talked about how Alberta has to improve its environmental record in order for it to continue to sell its product in the world."
As for concern in the Alberta business community about an NDP government, Bevington noted there is uncertainty whenever a government changes, especially when a party has been in power for four decades, like the outgoing Progressive Conservatives in Alberta.
"But I think really, over the medium term, that this is actually going to be a very positive thing for Alberta and Alberta businesses," he said, explaining the NDP government will maintain a high degree of services for a very well-educated and mobile population.
Bevington, who is himself a member of the federal side of the NDP, was asked what the Alberta win means for his party.
"Intuitively, it's all good news," he replied.
In a statement, NWT Premier Bob McLeod congratulated Notley on her win.
"The Northwest Territories and Alberta share many close ties and common interests," stated McLeod.
"Ms. Notley's interest in sustainable growth and economic diversification aligns with our own and I look forward to working with her to advance the shared interests of Albertans and Northwest Territories residents."
McLeod also thanked outgoing Premier Jim Prentice for the work that Alberta and the NWT did together while he was in office, including the recent signing of a transboundary water management agreement.
With their election loss, the Alberta Progressive Conservatives are seeing the end of their 44-year political dynasty.
Dene Nation National Chief Bill Erasmus also offered congratulations to Notley.
In a statement, Erasmus gave an optimistic vibe about the incoming Alberta government.
"Alberta is a huge energy producer and with that our major concern is with its tar sands sector, where bitumen processes affect us downstream as toxic contaminants flow through the Athabasca River," he said, adding Notley does not support the proposed Keystone XL pipeline to the Gulf of Mexico and the Northern Gateway project to the British Columbia coast, which would expand oil sands development.
"In her victory speech, she said Alberta needs to diversify its economy with a strong focus on the environment," the national chief stated.
"We are encouraged by that. So the Dene Nation lends the new government its support."
When contacted by News/North, Erasmus said that expression of support is not different from any other government.
"We have to work with all the governments. So what I'm meaning there is that it's encouraging that they're eager to look at diversifying their economy," he said, adding the new government also realizes it has to be more environmentally friendly.
In her victory speech on election night last week, Notley spoke directly to the indigenous people of Alberta.
"The trust we have been given tonight is a call to be better neighbours and partners," she said.
"I'm looking forward to consulting with you and learning from you."
Erasmus was listening to those comments concerning indigenous people.
"I did notice it and I'm saying that's why it's encouraging," he said.
"She made specific mention of working in partnership and working closely with the First Nations, and she also said that she takes very seriously the fact that there's a legal consultation process in place. That's significant, and it's a far cry from the position that the Conservative government's been taking."
In fact, Erasmus said he believes a majority NDP government in Alberta will influence other governments surrounding the province to deal more productively with First Nations.
The Dene Nation has two member organizations in northern Alberta - Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation in Fort Chipewyan and Smith's Landing First Nation, just south of Fort Smith.
