Environment Minister Peter Kent: Conference Of The Parties

Alberta Environment Minister Diana McQueen Dept: Heading into the 17th Conference of the Parties meeting, Environment Minister Peter Kent says he will not sign on to any deals that mandate some countries reduce greenhouse gas emissions while others don't - as his government argues was the case under the Kyoto Protocol. He is also unequivocal in his defence of northern Alberta's bitumen production, a position he expects will be supported by Alberta Environment Minister Diana McQueen when she joins him at the end of the week, according to Vancouver Sun. Kent has made headlines in the last year by arguing that Alberta's oil is ethical.'' EDMONTON - As world leaders gather in South Africa to discuss climate change this week and next, Canada's environment minister says he plans to defend Alberta's oilsands and is willing to argue they are an ethical'' and reliable energy source. We still need to - and the industry needs to and our provincial partners need to - be aggressive in ensuring international friends and neighbours and customers recognize Alberta's heavy oil is no different from heavy oil produced in any number of other countries which don't receive nearly the negative attention or criticism,'' he says. It is a legitimate resource.'' (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.