AFL hosting energy transition sessions from worker perspective
By Medicine Hat News on March 6, 2024.
@MedicineHatNews The Alberta Federation of Labour will host a meeting in Medicine Hat next week to discuss the energy transition and get feedback from working people. The future of jobs in the energy sector will be the focus of an eight-city tour of southern Alberta, featuring presentations by energy sector observer Markham Hislop on “new opportunities” in the oil patch and renewable energy sectors. “As it stands right now, we have one camp saying, ‘shut it all down’ and another camp saying, ‘drill baby, drill,'” AFL president Gil McGowan, who will also attend, said in a release. “From our perspective, this is not a constructive way to approach the conversation. “Albertans understand that change is coming … but now it’s time for Alberta workers to have their say.” The local event will be held March 13 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Fireside Room at the Medicine Hat Stampede Grounds. The tour begins in Lethbridge on March 11, then visits Pincher Creek before arriving in the Hat. An event in Brooks is set for March 14 at the JBS Centre, before events in Olds, Nanton, Okotoks and concluding in Calgary on March 21. The tour coincides with the launch of a website, DiversifyAlberta.ca, which details a report by the AFL and coalition of labour unions involved in the energy sector. “Our goal is to keep as many people working in our traditional industries as possible, for as long as possible, while at the same time pivoting towards new opportunities in the lower-carbon economy,” said McGowan. 10-9
