EDMONTON, AB (September 11, 2015): The NDP hiring of anti-Kinder Morgan pipeline activist, Marcella Munro, into the senior role of communications and stakeholder outreach in the premier’s office in Calgary is a sign of a disturbing trend spreading across government, Wildrose Shadow Energy Minister Leela Aheer said today.
“At a time when Alberta is facing economic uncertainty and more than 35,000 Albertans have been let go in jobs tied to the energy sector, I am dismayed to see Premier Rachel Notley hiring yet another anti-oil, anti-jobs individual to work in her office,” Aheer said. “It’s once again another signal the NDP are more dedicated to an ideological risky economic agenda instead of providing stable, predictable leadership that protects Alberta jobs.”
Munro has stated on her own website personal views that “saying no to projects like Kinder Morgan, to protect our environment and quality of life” are something to be celebrated. She previously worked for Earnscliffe Strategy Group, and as a BC NDP activist.
This stands in direct contrast with Notley’s assurances that the NDP is interested in the proposed expansion of Kinder Morgan’s TransMountain line to Vancouver.
“The NDP can’t keep talking from both sides of their mouth. If the premier supports our industry, she would hire people who would work to advocate for key policies to grow our economy and protect jobs,” Aheer said. “Hiring senior staff with views on our oil and gas sector that stand in direct contrast to the NDP’s supposed support should ring an alarm for all Albertans. What our province needs is certainty, not anti-pipeline posturing from within the government.”