Max Fawcett on the Alberta NDP's Refusal to Take Energy Seriously

Why It Matters

If Alberta’s political and business leadership fails to adapt to structural changes in global energy markets, the province risks losing economic influence and voter trust, undermining its competitiveness and electoral prospects. Without a credible energy strategy, other policy strengths (healthcare, education) will not be enough to win government or secure long-term prosperity.

Summary

Max Fawcett argues the Alberta NDP has deliberately refused to engage seriously with the global energy transition, missing a political and economic opportunity to build credibility on the economy. He says the party (and much of Alberta’s government, industry and business community) has stuck to outdated assumptions from the oil boom era instead of doing the “hard work” to understand technological and market shifts—particularly electrification and China’s role. Fawcett warns Alberta is a price-taker, not an energy superpower, so relying on past strategies like pipelines won’t restore former prosperity. He urges leaders to learn, adapt and use modern tools such as AI to synthesize complex evidence and shape a realistic energy policy.

Original Description

National Observer columnist Max Fawcett discusses the Alberta NDP under Naheed Nenshi, who is following in Rachel Notley's footsteps by all but ignoring serious discussions about provincial energy policy.

#daniellesmith #naheednenshi #cdnpoli #abpoli