What’s in a name?.The Liberals followed through on its long awaited threat to gut Alberta’s energy sector by introducing its so-called ‘sustainable jobs’ legislation in Ottawa Thursday morning. .The formal title of the bill is “An Act respecting accountability, transparency and engagement to support the creation of sustainable jobs for workers and economic growth in a net-zero economy” but everyone east of the Ontario-Manitoba border knows it simply as the ’Just Transition Act.’.Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson appeared alongside Labour Minister Seamus O’Reagan, union representatives and members of the NDP to announce plans to create a ‘sustainable jobs council’ and a ‘sustainable jobs secretariat’ under a five-year plan..In remarks televised from the West Block, Wilkinson said “the country’s economic future will need aligning,” and thanked the NDP for their support. Although he pledged to “work with the provinces,” ironically there were no premiers in attendance..Plans to introduce the legislation were announced in this spring’s federal budget. At an appearance in Edmonton in April, Wilkinson hinted the legislation would be delayed after strong opposition from Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who called it “short-sighted” and “harmful” to the province..Ironically, it comes on the closing day of the Global Petroleum Show in Calgary and barely two weeks after the re-election of the UCP government..Bill C-50 has already received first reading this morning..Already Ontario’s labour unions, including the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) were voicing unqualified support..“With the mounting impacts of climate change, such as devastating wildfires and extreme storms, Canadians are witnessing firsthand the urgent need for action,” CLC said in a statement..“The Sustainable Jobs Act represents a significant step in recognizing the importance of good work as we fight climate change,” added Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “By prioritizing workers and incorporating many of our key concerns, this legislation presents an opportunity to establish a model of collaboration that places workers, their unions, industry, and governments on the same path towards a sustainable and resilient economy.”.A technical briefing for media and press conference is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. MST today and Western Standard will bring all the details..More to come…
