Alberta: The Promised Land for Canada’s Future | Premier Danielle Smith | EP 465

Coming up (0s)

• The speaker discusses a young analyst who observed a correlation between Justin Trudeau's declining popularity and the number of mortgage renewals happening each month.
• The analyst noticed that the decline in popularity and the increase in mortgage renewals were happening simultaneously.
• The analyst concluded that the current government, which has been in power for the past nine years, is likely responsible for these trends.

Intro (20s)

• The video focuses on Alberta, a province rich in fossil fuels, and its significance in the global battle between environmentalism and the energy industry.
• The host highlights the international repercussions of Alberta's energy policies, citing examples of Germany and Japan seeking liquid natural gas from Canada, which was denied by Prime Minister Trudeau.
• The host will be interviewing Premier Danielle Smith about the conflict between the energy industry and radical environmentalists, the development of a conservative vision, and the appeal of conservatism to young people.

Bill C-59, criminalized speech (2m38s)

• Bill C-59, a budget implementation act, included a provision that effectively criminalized speech promoting the positive environmental record of the oil and gas industry. This provision was introduced at the last minute and was based on a proposal by NDP MP Charlie Angus. The provision requires companies to conform to undefined "international standards" for reporting, which could lead to frivolous lawsuits and deter investment.
• The speaker argues that this provision is unconstitutional and violates freedom of speech. They point out that the Liberal government has a history of undermining free speech through various measures, including internet censorship bills and media funding restrictions. The speaker also criticizes the lack of clarity regarding the "international standards" and questions who sets them.
• The Alberta government plans to challenge the provision on constitutional grounds. They believe that the provision is an attempt by the federal government to stifle the development of the oil and gas industry and that it is ultimately harmful to Canada's economy and its ability to provide energy to its trading partners. The speaker emphasizes that Alberta, as the owner of the majority of Canada's oil and gas resources, has a right to promote its environmental record and that the government will provide a shield for companies facing legal challenges under this provision.

Why is the Liberal Party of Canada promoting detrimental green policy? (11m22s)

• The Liberal Party of Canada's environmental policies are detrimental to the Canadian economy. The speaker argues that these policies are based on a flawed premise that the world's resources are finite and that we are headed towards a catastrophic future. This premise is rooted in the Club of Rome's "Limits to Growth" concept and the "Soilent Green" movie, which both predicted a future where we would run out of food. However, the speaker believes that this premise is false and that economic history has shown that we are able to find solutions to resource scarcity.
• The speaker criticizes the Liberal Party's focus on international relevance through aggressive environmental policies. They argue that Canada's true international relevance should be based on its role as a reliable ally in conflict zones, its effective immigration system, and its ability to manage its finances and passport system efficiently. Instead, the Liberal Party is prioritizing policies that harm the Canadian economy, such as the carbon tax, which the speaker calls a "sin tax on productivity."
• The speaker believes that the Liberal Party's environmental policies are driven by a desire for power. They argue that the "Zero Sum Terror" streak, which promotes the idea that we are running out of resources and that we need to drastically reduce our consumption, is a way for those who want power to manipulate the public into giving them control. The speaker points to the example of Paul Ehrlich's failed bet with Julian Simon, which showed that resources became more abundant, not scarcer, over time.

Carbon dioxide is a net good (21m22s)

• Carbon dioxide is beneficial: Danielle Smith argues that carbon dioxide is not a net negative for the environment, citing evidence that the planet has become greener since the year 2000, leading to increased food production. She also points out that the Earth is currently in a carbon dioxide drought, and that increasing levels are actually beneficial for plant growth.
• Fossil fuel industry should be more assertive: Smith criticizes the fossil fuel industry for being apologetic about carbon dioxide emissions, arguing that they should be more assertive in promoting the benefits of fossil fuels. She believes that the industry has been misled by environmentalists who have exaggerated the dangers of climate change.
• Energy industry should focus on innovation and global poverty: Smith believes that the energy industry should continue to innovate and find solutions for reducing emissions, but also focus on providing affordable energy to developing countries. She argues that this is essential for lifting people out of poverty and improving their quality of life.

Uplift people to uplift the world (33m36s)

• The radical left's focus on environmentalism over economic development is detrimental to the world's poor. The speaker argues that the left's prioritization of environmental concerns over economic growth will harm developing countries, particularly in Africa and India, who rely on cheap energy to lift their populations out of poverty.
• Providing cheap energy through sources like natural gas is essential for global economic development and environmental improvement. The speaker believes that affordable energy is the key to alleviating poverty and that it can actually lead to a decrease in environmental pollution as wealthier populations become more environmentally conscious.
• The speaker criticizes Germany's shift to green energy as a failure. The speaker argues that Germany's decision to abandon nuclear power and embrace renewable energy has resulted in higher energy costs, increased pollution, and dependence on Russia for energy. This example serves as a cautionary tale against prioritizing environmentalism over economic realities.

Plausible lies are at the heart of bad policy (37m30s)

• The NDP proposes solutions that are "plausible lies": Danielle Smith argues that the NDP often proposes solutions to problems that are superficially appealing but ultimately impractical and unworkable. She uses the example of relying solely on wind and solar energy, claiming that while it sounds good in theory, it's not a reliable way to power an industrialized economy.
• The NDP prioritizes virtue signaling over practical solutions: Smith criticizes the NDP for prioritizing appearing environmentally conscious over actually implementing effective solutions. She points out that many environmental initiatives are driven by a desire to be seen as virtuous rather than a genuine commitment to environmental protection.
• The NDP's approach is ultimately harmful: Smith argues that the NDP's focus on "plausible lies" and virtue signaling leads to dysfunctional policies that ultimately harm the environment and the economy. She emphasizes the need for practical solutions that are based on sound research and innovation.

They overplayed their hand in targeting the food production industry (42m12s)

• The speaker argues that environmentalists and certain industries have overplayed their hand in demonizing various energy sources, leading to a situation where almost no fuel source is considered "green" enough. This is due to a focus on virtue signaling and market advantage, rather than a holistic understanding of the environmental impact of different energy sources.
• The speaker criticizes the environmental movement's shift from targeting coal and oil to attacking food production, arguing that this is a dangerous and misguided approach. They point to examples like the Netherlands and Denmark, where policies targeting agricultural emissions are causing backlash.
• The speaker emphasizes that food production is inherently linked to the carbon cycle, and attacking this industry is counterproductive. They believe that the environmental movement has gone too far in its pursuit of "degrowth" and "deindustrialization," and that this approach will ultimately backfire.

Trudeau wants to destroy our wealth (47m40s)

• Premier Danielle Smith expresses her belief that Justin Trudeau's policies are actively seeking to destroy Alberta's wealth, unlike his father Pierre Trudeau who merely sought to take it. She argues that Alberta's strong economy benefits all of Canada, as it contributes significantly to federal tax revenue.
• Smith criticizes the hypocrisy of the federal government, particularly the NDP, who criticize Trudeau while simultaneously supporting his policies. She points to the recent Toronto election results as evidence of public dissatisfaction with both the Liberals and NDP.
• Smith highlights Quebec's reliance on Alberta's wealth, despite their demonization of the Alberta economy. She emphasizes that Quebec's energy situation is unsustainable, with their reliance on the Churchill Falls hydroelectric power deal expiring in 18 years. She argues that Quebec should embrace natural gas as a solution to their energy needs, citing its importance as a transition fuel and its potential for developing a hydrogen economy.

The return of nature worship (55m45s)

• Premier Smith expresses concern about the federal government's policies being detrimental to Alberta's economic future. She highlights the stark contrast between the federal government's environmental focus and Alberta's reliance on energy production.
• Smith acknowledges the existence of pragmatic voices within the federal government, evidenced by the completion of the Trans Mountain and Coastal Gas Link pipelines. However, she worries about the acceleration of extreme environmental policies by the federal government, particularly under Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.
• Smith attributes the federal government's continued pursuit of these policies to a combination of factors: a belief that environmental salvation justifies any sacrifice, a narcissistic desire for revenge by the Prime Minister, and a "do or die" mentality among environmental activists. She compares this approach to a "return of nature worship," where environmental concerns take precedence over all other considerations.

The Liberal Party stopped caring about people, Pierre Poilievre (1h1m41s)

• The speaker expresses disappointment with the current state of the Liberal Party, stating that they no longer seem to care about the struggles of ordinary people, such as single mothers, tradespeople, and families struggling to make ends meet. They contrast this with the past, when the Liberal Party was seen as championing the needs of these groups.
• The speaker highlights Pierre Poilievre's focus on the plight of regular people and their economic difficulties, suggesting that he is more attuned to their concerns than the current Liberal Party. They believe that Poilievre's approach resonates with the working class, who are struggling with rising costs and economic hardship.
• The speaker attributes the shift in focus to a growing realization that free market principles offer the best path to economic improvement for the poor. They argue that this realization has allowed conservative parties, traditionally associated with big business, to effectively appeal to the working class by promising to simplify regulations, reduce taxes, and prioritize their needs.

The practical unity of Canada’s Conservative Party (1h3m56s)

• Premier Smith believes that the Canadian economy is in a worse state than people realize, and that the Trudeau government has hidden many problems. She cites the frequent scandals as evidence of this, and predicts that the next Prime Minister, Pierre Poilievre, will be blamed for these issues by environmentalists and the Green Party.
• Smith is optimistic about the future of conservatism in Canada, believing that a new generation of conservative leaders is emerging. She sees a growing alignment between blue-collar workers and conservative values, as they are increasingly disillusioned with the Liberal Party's focus on environmentalism and social programs that they perceive as detrimental to their livelihoods.
• Smith argues that the conservative movement understands the importance of high-paying resource jobs for individual and societal well-being. She contrasts this with the traditional focus on higher education, which she believes has led to high student debt and a devaluation of practical skills. She believes that the conservative approach offers a more realistic and achievable path to financial security and personal fulfillment.

Between conscience and calling, the message of the modern Conservative movement (1h9m50s)

• The speaker argues that the current cultural war is fundamentally a religious battle, a battle of first principles. He draws a parallel between the dynamic of conscience and calling in the Old Testament and the political landscape, suggesting that conservatives represent the voice of conscience, while liberals represent the voice of openness and creativity.
• The speaker highlights the challenge for conservatives in appealing to young people, who are often drawn to the environmentalist movement's message of moral virtue and planetary messianism. He believes that conservatives need to offer a more compelling vision, emphasizing the pleasures and responsibilities of a traditional middle-class life, including finding a stable partner, having children, and contributing to society.
• The speaker emphasizes the importance of responsibility and adventure as intertwined concepts, arguing that conservatives can appeal to young people by highlighting how taking on responsibility can lead to a fulfilling and adventurous life. He believes that this message resonates with the working class, who understand the value of sacrifice for the betterment of their children. He concludes by suggesting that conservatives need to be more invitational and offer a positive vision for the future, emphasizing the importance of family, community, and personal fulfillment.

Family breakdown multiplies over generations (1h19m49s)

• The speaker believes that there has been a disconnect in society, leading to fragmented families, and that this disconnect is partly due to conservative policies.
• The speaker argues that broken families have a cascading effect, leading to further societal problems over generations.
• The speaker suggests that conservative policies can promote strong families, citing Hungary's family policies as an example, and emphasizes the importance of family for individual happiness, support, and child-rearing.

Tolerance for the fringe, proper respect for the center (1h20m59s)

• The speaker argues that the sexual revolution, while promising freedom and pleasure, has led to a decline in family stability and a rise in mental health issues, particularly among young women. This is evidenced by the increasing number of young people in countries like Japan and South Korea who are choosing to remain single and abstain from sexual relationships.
• The speaker believes that a strong emphasis on traditional family structures, including monogamous relationships and child-centered households, is essential for societal stability and prosperity. This model, they argue, fosters a sense of community, promotes responsible behavior, and provides a foundation for raising healthy and productive citizens.
• While acknowledging the need for tolerance and understanding towards alternative family structures, the speaker emphasizes the importance of supporting the traditional nuclear family as the ideal model. They believe that conservatives should embrace a broader view of the nuclear family, recognizing that gay couples are increasingly seeking to create stable and nurturing environments for children. This, they argue, presents an opportunity for conservatives to connect with a growing segment of the population who share their values of family, responsibility, and community.

“I find the message of the Left so bleak” (1h26m16s)

• Premier Danielle Smith expresses concern about the "bleak" message of the left, which she believes instills fear and a sense of hopelessness in young people. She argues that this message leads to a lack of responsibility and a focus on hedonism, creating a toxic combination.
• Smith draws a parallel between the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land and the current political landscape. She highlights the importance of leaders who offer a vision of hope and possibility, encouraging people to believe in a better future.
• Smith believes that Alberta is a "Promised Land" for young people, offering a more affordable lifestyle, lower taxes, and a strong economy. She points to the influx of people moving to Alberta as evidence of this appeal. She also emphasizes the importance of conservative leadership at the provincial level, which she believes is counteracting the negative effects of a dysfunctional federal government.

Alberta’s stance on gender care (1h33m43s)

• Alberta's stance on gender care is rooted in protecting children from making irreversible decisions before they are mature enough to understand the consequences. Premier Smith emphasizes that the government's policy is not about denying anyone the right to transition, but rather ensuring that young people have the opportunity to explore their identity and make informed choices about their future.
• The policy limits access to puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and other medical interventions for those under 15 years of age. This decision is based on the belief that children under this age are not developmentally ready to make such significant decisions, particularly those that could impact their ability to have children in the future.
• Premier Smith acknowledges that the policy has been mischaracterized by some as discriminatory, but she insists that it is motivated by a desire to protect children and ensure their well-being. She points to the growing body of evidence that suggests the rapid rise in gender-affirming care for minors may be based on flawed science and that the long-term consequences of these interventions are not fully understood.