EDMONTON, AB (November 9, 2011): Premier Alison Redford must use her upcoming trip to Washington and New York to unequivocally state Alberta’s support for the Keystone XL pipeline, especially after news of further delays to the pipeline’s approval.

The US State department is now conducting a review into the Keystone proposal and is deciding on whether or not it should re-route the pipeline.  As a result, a decision on the pipeline could be extended well into 2012 and beyond.

“More setbacks on the Keystone project mean fewer jobs for Albertans, fewer jobs for Americans, and less energy security for the continent,” Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith said.  “Up until now, Ms. Redford has been reluctant to stand up for Albertans on this critical issue. I hope she changes her tune next week.”

During the PC leadership race, Redford’s main rival Gary Mar said about Keystone, “I’m not going to rest until I see this project completed,” but yesterday Redford said she doesn’t intend to advocate for Alberta to American decision makers on Keystone.

“Gary Mar said it was one of his top priorities at the time, but Ms. Redford hasn’t had the time for it,” Smith said. “This is about leadership. As Premier, she has said very little about this issue to date. Now we hear she doesn’t even think it’s her job to convince decision makers about why it should be built. It’s absolutely her job.”

Wildrose Energy Critic Paul Hinman said that the government has failed to be proactive in promoting the pipeline as the best source of energy available to the United States.

“As instability and corruption persists in the Middle East, Alberta oil is the obvious choice for promoting and pursuing continental energy security between Canada and the United States – the decision should be a no brainer,” Hinman said. “Ms. Redford needs to get serious about advancing Alberta’s interests as North America’s interests.”

Wildrose stands for free enterprise, less government, increased personal freedom and democracy.