Alberta climate panel's report achieves the right balance

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EDMONTON, Nov. 22, 2015 /CNW/ - The Premier's Climate Change Advisory Panel report makes sensible recommendations that, once implemented, will make significant impacts on Alberta's greenhouse gas emissions and provide real solutions for affected industries and communities.

"Premier Notley has a balanced blueprint for action," said Jerry Dias, Unifor's National President. "Our children and our grandchildren need a fair economy and a liveable planet. This plan ensures that Alberta can have both."

Unifor notes the report delivers a thoughtful review of the employment implications of climate action. The panel describes job growth areas—such as transit and renewable energy—and for sectors with negative growth, it recommends using carbon pricing revenue for training and transition programs.

"Training and transitions for workers will be critical to the success of Alberta's climate action plan," said Joie Warnock, Unifor's Western Director. "The report is very sensitive to the fact that each community is different, and that there will be ongoing research and dialogue about caring for impacted workers. Premier Notley was clear that no one will be left behind."

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing more than 310,000 workers. It was formed Labour Day weekend 2013 when the Canadian Auto Workers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers unions merged.

SOURCE Unifor