Mr. Hinman: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker.  The court’s ruling over the ERCB’s protected area zone around a sour gas well has thrown the industry into further chaos.  Saskatchewan, under  Premier Brad Wall, has experienced record economic surpluses while Alberta, under this Premier, has experienced record economic deficits.  Alberta is losing jobs and families to Saskatchewan. Confidence in Alberta as a stable place to do business has been compromised by this government, and this new court ruling has added to that instability.  Will the Premier act in a timely manner and ensure that the sour gas industry doesn’t go the way that much of the oil and gas industry has and be driven out of this province?

Mr. Stelmach: Mr. Speaker, the court has made a decision based on the decision made by the ERCB.  The minister has been in contact with the ERCB and will explain to the House the procedure from today on.

Mr. Knight: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.  With respect to the issue, of course, it’s not anything that the government did or that the ERCB did, and we are not in any way negatively affecting the opportunity for Albertans to go to work as they always have done relative to this very important industry in Alberta.  However, the court has determined that there are two zones, an emergency response zone and a protective alert zone, around these particular installations.  They have indicated that the ERCB should consider persons living inside of the larger zone.

Mr. Hinman: Yes, but they’ve halted the industry.  It’s more vague words but, as usual, no action. Mr. Speaker, Albertans deserve better.  Our safety record in the oil and gas industry is one of the best in the world.  This is about the people who work in the industry that is vital to our province.  What actions is the Premier going to take to ensure the winter drilling program is not compromised and that thousands of men and women in the oil and gas industry have work this winter?

Mr. Stelmach: As the minister mentioned, this is with respect to sour gas licensing.  Of course, the court has made a decision.  I don’t think the member wants this Assembly to go against the court decision.  We respect the court, and we will work with the court to ensure that the ERCB follows the guidelines established by the court.

Mr. Hinman: That’s true, Mr. Speaker, but we need to act quickly. We have a safe, reliable supply of natural gas to heat our homes, businesses, and public institutions.  This government must stand up for the oil and gas workers of Alberta, who help provide us with safe, reliable, and certain supplies of clean energy.  Is the Premier going to act and rectify this problem, or is he going to add to the instability by letting it drag out in the courts?

Mr. Stelmach: As I said, we’re going to work with the court. Safety is a top priority for the ERCB.  The court raised this issue. We’ll deal with it in the appropriate manner.  We can’t go against the court, unless the hon. member feels that we should, but that’s not what this government does.  It doesn’t break the law. think that the member opposite has indicated that he knows what this government is doing.  He’s never been in government.  How would he know what we’re doing?