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"Battling climate change will not only create thousands of good jobs for Albertans, it will also improve our communities. For these reasons, climate change is a core issue for HSAA/NUPGE.” — Mike Parker, HSAA President
Edmonton (22 Sept. 2017) — While opposition politicians staged a theatrical event to demonize Alberta’s climate change plan, a leading environmental group and a public sector union are teaming up to explain the plan’s real benefits.
Albertans are serious about battling climate change and protecting the economy
“We think it’s time for Albertans to learn the facts rather than hear more fake news,” says Mike Parker, President of Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA/NUPGE), which represents about 25,000 health care professionals.
“That’s why we decided to get together with the energy and environment experts at the Pembina Institute to hold an open house at our new Edmonton headquarters to talk to Albertans about how they can save money, help to transition to clean energy and create sustainable jobs. The event is free and open to members of the public,” Parker says.
“Rather than the United Conservative Party leadership candidates’ empty gesture of signing a pledge to scrap the carbon tax within 100 days of taking office — with no mention of any credible alternative policies — we believe Albertans are serious about battling climate change and protecting our economy," says Parker.
“They are interested in learning about the positives from the climate plan, such as funding for expanded LRT and help installing solar panels at their homes and businesses. They are hungry for facts, and we’re bringing lots of experts together to answer any questions they have," continued Parker.
HSAA/NUPGE encourages members and the public to attend Open House with energy experts
Called Live Better Day – Energy, Opportunity and You, the open house will be held at HSAA’s headquarters, a LEED-shadowed building (LEEB means Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) which opened last year. As well as presentations by experts such as David Dodge, chair of Energy Efficiency Alberta, and booths staffed by people who can answer questions, there will be electric cars and family friendly events including contests and prizes, Kiki the Eco Elf, Indigenous dancing, and food and refreshments.
“Some people might wonder why a union of health care professionals is getting involved in this,” says Parker. “The answer is that climate change is a threat to the lives and health of hundreds of thousands of people around the world. Battling climate change will not only create thousands of good jobs for Albertans, it will also improve our communities. For these reasons, climate change is a core issue for HSAA/NUPGE.”