EDMONTON, AB – Environment Minister Shannon Phillips must explain a radical book she inspired and wrote the introduction for, the Wildrose said.
An Action A Day Keeps Global Capitalism Away, written by Greenpeace activist Mike Hudema, advocates everything from climbing buildings and dropping banners to taking “militant” action against government and industry. The book says voting in Canada undermines democracy and is “useless,” and it calls on citizens to take up 52 “actions” ranging from eating ballots to creating road blockades. Phillips co-authored the introduction to the protest how-to guide. In the book’s preface Hudema wrote “it would not have been possible to put this book together without her [Phillips]. She pushed me to write it, edited my work and contributed to the content.”
“The views expressed in this book are offside with the values and opinions of everyday Albertans,” Wildrose Leader Brian Jean said. “Albertans are looking for stable, moderate leadership to steer the economy through these tough economic times, and the appointment of this minister sends a troubling signal.”
Wildrose Shadow Energy Minister Leela Aheer said the book is only going to add to the uncertainty industry is already feeling over the NDP government.
“This kind of radical and staunch ideology only creates more concerns for industry and at the worst possible time,” Aheer said. “Ministers need to be able to balance competing interests. The opinions in this book will do precious little to assure industry they’re getting fair treatment from an NDP government that already has them against the ropes.”