Well, they certainly didn’t vote against the government based on their objections. As you know, the Conservative government, defying the predictions of pundits and observers alike, gained a wider majority than they did during Klein’s last term.
How exactly are the farmers and ranchers running dry? I don’t claim to be an expert on Canadian/Albertan agriculture and livestock practices, but aren’t the crop yields for 2008 in Alberta expected to be very good indeed? Hasn’t the provincial government set up numerous development funds to help farmers and ranchers and encourage them to engage in environmentally-friendly practices? I think under the new premier, people can expect that rural issues will be given top priority.
Oil is an important industry to Alberta’s development, although the economy is diversifying somewhat. The reason why the province has a GDP per capita (69,000) that is almost twice the Canadian average is because of the success of the oil patch. When the National Energy Program, a recession, and the low price of oil hurt the industy in the early to mid 80s, everyone in Alberta suffered. If anything, I think Stelmach, by implementing the new royalty regime, has shown that he is willing to shake the apple cart a little. People within the industry were upset (with the royalties), and people on the panel were upset that he only implemented half of their recommendations. In my opinion, he must be doing something right if both sides are angry. 
Have you read the independent study by Yale University Professor Benjamin Cashore? In comparing international forest practice regulations, Cashore found that British Columbia has some of the most stringent forest sustainability requirements in the world. Furthermore, with over 13 percent of the provincial land base designated as protected, British Columbia is a world leader in terms of land conservation. Of course, a lot of native groups, radical environmentalists, and out-out-country trust-fund troublemakers such as Robert Kennedy Jr. will still try to portray the industry in a negative light. My sympathies here are with the lumberjacks and the forestry professionals. International lumber and pulp markets are very competitive. You raise production costs and you can run yourself straight out of the market.
With more oil in those sands than in all of the reserves in Saudi Arabia, there will be plenty of money/royalties to spend on conservation and on R&D to ensure cleaner practices. The oil companies are already spending millions and millions in Northern Alberta on various conservation/enviornmental programs. When I read these reports on environmental armageddon, I just have to look at the source. These are radical environmental groups with an abvious agenda. I trust the private sector will be able to come up with the solutions with the help of a friendly provincial government. I think there is a middle-ground, moderate path here that can be taken. One that ensures economic development and a relatively clean environment. And with a relatively small population that appreciates clean outdoor living, as well as the highest standard of living in the country, I truly believe most Albertans will advocate taking a middle course that balances both.
