By Canadian Press

Throne speech reaction

Alberta premier wants to hear more from Ottawa on plans for energy industry

Sep 24, 2020 | 8:54 AM

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney says he is disappointed with the federal government’s throne speech.

Kenney says there was nothing in the Trudeau government’s plan for the ailing energy industry that has suffered thousands of job losses.

He says the speech also didn’t include commitments to increase federal health transfers to the provinces.

Kenney says for a real economic recovery, Canada needs Alberta’s energy.

He also says Ottawa needs to recognize the fiscal calamity Alberta faces and should give the province $6.5 billion in fiscal stabilization payments.

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Kenney is to hold a media availability this morning to discuss the throne speech further.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says the federal throne speech suggests Ottawa intends to turn away from Western Canada’s energy industry at a time when those who depend on it are looking for more support.

Moe says he thinks mention in the speech of the energy industry having a “net zero future” means Ottawa is planning to pull out of sectors such as oil and gas.

He says there was nothing in the speech about the region having one of the most sustainable energy industries in the world.

Ian Cameron, a spokesman for the Office of the Minister of Natural Resources, says people who work in Canada’s natural resource sectors, including those in oil and gas, have long driven economic growth.

He says now they will drive Canada’s recovery.

The Canadian Press