Alberta NDP candidates Samir Kayande (Calgary-Elbow) and Nagwan Al-Guneid (Calgary-Glenmore) did work for the Pembina Institute. .“It’s important for Calgarians to know about the close relationship between the Alberta NDP and anti-oil groups like the Pembina Institute,” said Alberta United Conservative Party MLA Prasad Panda (Calgary-Edgemont) in a Thursday statement. .“Both Samir Kayande and Nagwan Al-Guneid are deeply involved with this anti-oil group that refers to the oil sands as ‘tar sands.’” .The Pembina Institute said it's working to solve present energy challenges, which it believes can be done by reducing the effects of fossil fuels and promoting renewable energy. .“We provide our expertise to industry and government leaders, and we advocate for a strong, science-based approach to policy, regulation, environmental protection and energy development,” said Pembina. .“It’s time to transition to cleaner energy systems.”.The Alberta NDP said Kayande is focused on building a resilient economy, one which creates good-paying jobs for people for generations to come. It said he believes leading the energy transition will make Alberta stronger. .“Samir creates software tools to help large institutions invest in energy, helped build a billion-dollar fossil fuel research company, and sat on the board of the Pembina Institute,” it said. .He has lived in Calgary since 2004 with his wife JJ and their two children. .The NDP said Al-Guneid is the director at the Business Renewables Centre Canada (BRC-Canada). .“Nagwan Al-Guneid is an award-winning leader in the sustainability and energy sector who recognizes the role Calgary plays on the world energy stage,” it said. .She has worked at the Energy Futures Lab and TotalEnergies. She holds two degrees from the University of Calgary, including a master’s of science in sustainable energy development. .The BRC-Canada is a modern marketplace affiliated with Pembina where corporations and institutions can learn how to buy renewable energy from developers. It brings people together to generate awareness in the industry, build a strong community, and provide tools and resources. .Panda said he understands the importance of Alberta’s energy industry and the jobs it creates because he worked in it for decades. He added Calgary is coming back stronger than ever, and “the last thing we need is people representing us who don’t value or understand our economy.” .“Candidates like these will adversely impact the lives and livelihoods of energy workers,” he said. .The Canadian government was forced to apologize in 2020 after concealing about $200,000 in contracts awarded to Pembina. .Former natural resources minister Seamus O’Regan said he was sorry after the omission was discovered by Conservative MP Earl Dreeshen (Red Deer-Mountainview). .The Canadian government paid Pembina $182,958 for contracts and $1.7 million in federal grants. .Alberta NDP leader Rachel Notley broke her silence about the Just Transition on January 18. .READ MORE: Notley breaks silence on 'Just Transition’.Notley said she believes there is a path available to Albertans and Canadians to reduce emissions. ."To even ultimately find a cap which is practical, and to do so that actually creates economic opportunity and protects and grows good, long-term, industrial, blue-collar jobs,” she said.
