If the EUB is truly repentant about its cloak-and-dagger spying efforts and really wants to regain the trust of Albertans, this focus on a single development project is a pretty weak effort by David J. Parker, October 10, 2007, The Edmonton Journal
If it admits to an industry bias on the power line issue, is that enough? Having been caught red-handed it was inevitable that the board’s political masters would tell it to clean up its act. What about the thousands of other projects it has allowed to proceed, despite public opposition? The EUB has a long record of approving the majority of developments that come across its desk. Few are rejected. And why is the EUB being told to shape up now, of all times? Surely it is just a coincidence that the royalty review panel has just released its report.
Premier Ed Stelmach’s political fortune lies in the perception that he is doing the best for Albertans. Any implication of bias would make the problem of letting the oil industry retain the lion’s share of royalties more difficult. Ralph Klein admitted his government was on auto pilot. For years, there was no “Plan B” and the best government was a hands-off government. One can be excused for thinking that Klein was setting his successor up for a major black eye. Upon further reflection, though, does anyone really think Klein was that smart? [Emphasis added]