I think Alberta’s politicians have forgotten that they are being paid to keep our economy going. This means that they should be paying attention to other parts of the world. However, they are not. I say this because the rest of the world is moving away from the very products that we are exporting. Even worse, the world is adopting products that will harm Alberta’s potential to attract new clients.
Take the example of coal, natural gas and oil. Back in 2015, if you read an article about fueling transportation infrastructure or the possibility of its electrification, there would be a simple refrain: any vehicle larger than a truck could only be electrified by developments in use, refinement and distribution of hydrogen and/or by expensive overhead wires. After all, batteries are too heavy for boats, trucks and trains.
However, here in 2026, one can see that the electrification of boats, buses, trains, and trucks is happening in spite of the lack of development in the hydrogen world. In fact, boats, trains and trucks are using lithium batteries: the same technology that was dismissed in 2015.
In Argentina, the “Tren Solar de la Quebrada” is in operation. Running 42 kilometres, it is Latin America’s first solar-powered passenger train. Launched in 2024, it was designed to help tourists get around an UNESCO World Heritage-listed valley, the train connects six towns using state-of-the-art technology and batteries charged with locally generated solar energy.
Now to be clear, the train itself doesn’t have any solar panels. The train is recharged as it waits in various stations and facilities that have solar panels. This is similar to European rail operators, like Dutch rail operator NS and the UK’s TransPennine Express, who are coming up with direct or indirect solutions to use renewable electricity to get people from “Point A” to “Point B”. The TransPennine Express is in the process of transferring their diesel train fleet into a battery powered one. Further, since 2017, NS has been purchasing renewable power to drive their electric trains. Either way, for Alberta, the answer is similar: trains are moving away from diesel, natural gas and other fossil fuels that we produce.
Yet, trains are not the only electrical transportation miracle. The world’s largest fully electric ferry will be going into service soon. Called the China Zorrilla, and operated by Buquebus, the ferry will be able to move at least 250 cars and 2,100 people between Argentina and Uruguay. Sharing electric infrastructure and connecting Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay, one can easily see that this is just another brick in the wall; another step on the road to decarbonization.
So after talking about solar powered trains and electric ferries, one should not be surprised that London’s bus regulator, Transport for London (TfL), will complete its goal of transitioning London’s bus fleet to fully electrified buses between 2030 and 2034; and, that that same fleet will consist mostly of battery-electric (BEV) buses. Now to be clear, “mostly” in this case, is not doing most of the work because 90%+ of the TfL bus fleet will be populated by BEV buses when done.
Thus, we can see a story of electrification moving more quickly than expected. In this piece, I have not talked about how the conflict between Israel, the US and Iran has driven Australians and Europeans to buy more battery-electric vehicles. Looking at recent data, we have seen a radical change in buying habits. Just about a quarter of Australians are now buying BEV cars and it jumps to a third when you include plug-in hybrids (PHEV) cars. In the UK and Europe, BEV car purchasing is even approaching the 30% point; however, when you look at PHEV and BEVs together you come close to passing the 40% mark. Nor have I mentioned that more than 60% of the oil (and derivative products) used by many Western countries drives their transportation systems.
However, it is clear that the world is switching away from products that Alberta sells. Premier Danielle Smith will often argue that “Asia” wants more fossil fuels. However, the evidence doesn’t line up. China is bringing on wind, solar and utility grade battery storage at a phenomenal pace. So much so that it is bringing Bangladesh, Pakistan and India along for the ride. While in Ontario, the most recent electricity generation option was won by a wind, solar and utility grade battery storage solution. In fact, in Trump’s America, of the new generating capacity added in 2025, more than 80% of it was renewable. With all of this being said, who will buy new, if not existing, Alberta Energy exports.
Alberta politicians are paid to keep us safe. We hire them so that our economy can continue to grow and that we have the resources to pay for our educational and health care needs. Albertans expect a lot of our politicians, and in this way, I think that Alberta’s politicians could do better. The Premier could call a Royal Commission about the future of Alberta’s economy, or really work on a diversification agenda. It is my belief that Alberta’s politicians should witness the world as it is, and not as they wish it to be. They should look at the evidence that is, and not try to wish it away. Alberta’s municipal and provincial leaders should do more than just complain, they should look for answers so that Alberta can grow. The goal should be to provide the most to all, to provide the greatest benefit to the greatest number, while also ensuring that no minority is poorly treated, or aggrieved. We should aim for a society that is a beacon, a lighthouse, that calls for the best of us to do even better. This should be the aim and I am afraid that Alberta’s political class is not hitting the mark.