A Canadian energy strategy is wrong for Alberta

Alberta need not tie itself to a so-called Canadian energy strategy to promote provincial objectives.

While joking about getting nervous when he hears the words "national" and "energy" in the same sentence, Prime Minister Stephen Harper exposed the absence of clarity as to what, whether called "national" or "Canadian," a grand energy plan for the country would really mean. And what would it mean for Albertans?

The first Alison Redford government throne speech provides some definition. While a throne speech is no beacon for clarity, there were three discernible principles in Redford's pan-Canadian strategy: diversification of clientele, explanation of our goals and facilitation in bringing goods to market.

Client diversification refers to finding and securing greater markets. Since the current U.S. administration has chosen to be intimidated by environmentalists and ignore its vital strategic security, Alberta cannot afford to rely on steadily supplying that market. Designing "initiatives…