The Alberta Image Problem comes from the embedded images of dirty oil. It is now an image that is set in the imagination of the peoples of the planet and the recent National Geographic feature is all the proof one needs.
What are we going to do about it? There are lots or good things around oul sands development to talk about and other events and activities that we need to apolozige for and get fixed but we need to get on with it in an authentic and authoritative way - not just media messaging and spin.
We have to get serious about the reality of our ensuring ourt foundational Albertan values are more aggressively and obviously aligned with our actions in oil sands development. Research shows Albertans want the oil sands to be developed the right way - responsibly - and not just rapidly.
Slick messaging and focus group tested slogans will do more harm than good and only serve to add to cynicism and skepticism and just undermine (sic) our reputation in the world.
Albertans want to be proud of what we are doing in the development of OUR oil sands. So far we have been mostly boastful about the size of the reserves and the enormity of investment levels. Albertans have not been given enough reasons to believe that we should be proud about how we - as owners - are responsibly and sustainably exploiting this vital resource.
Monday, March 02, 2009
Ken on CBC Wildrose (Feb. 25, 2009)
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I agree Ken,
ReplyDeleteI do not know the solution, but I think something has to be done.
I am far from an expert, but what I see happening in the oilsands does not look good. The huge tailing ponds are a disaster waiting to happen.
I recently read the book Pure Energy and it opened my eyes to what was happening.
I am in favour of oil development - as long as it is responsible oil development.
Jackz
First, I listened to the interview all the way through. You speak very well, Ken.
ReplyDeleteSecond, unfortunately, I didn't hear any concrete suggestions from you nor do I see them in this post about how to "get on with [an effective oil sands strategy] in an authentic and authoritative way.
Marnie Tunay
Fakirs Canada
http://fakirsca.blogspot.com/