conspiracy theory and George Soros and Bill Gates,” University of
Alberta energy and environmental economist Andrew Leach told the national broadcaster. “It is astounding to me.”
A packet of documents the commission assembled and sent to reviewers
for comment contained “textbook examples of climate change denialism”
that “minimize or outright dismiss the reality and seriousness of
climate change” and are “replete with generalizations, speculation,
conjecture, and even conspiracy,” added Martin Olszynski.
Provincial opposition leader Rachel Notley said commissioner Steve
Allan was using taxpayer dollars to “support and solicit anti-science,
climate-denying ridiculousness,” and urged Jason Kenney’s United
Conservative Party government to cancel the inquiry. “I think that it
sends a horrible message to international investors. It undermines our
energy industry,” she said. “Quite frankly, there should be an inquiry
into the inquiry, except for the fact that that itself would be another
waste of money.”