CALGARY -- Canadians elected a Liberal minority government on Monday, but it's a government with no Alberta representation, leaving some Calgarians concerned about where that leaves Alberta’s natural resources on the national agenda.
“Justin Trudeau did try to deal with the concerns, some of the economic concerns in particular of Albertans over the last four years and it just wasn’t enough,” said Lori Williams, a political scientist with Mount Royal University.
Economist Ron Kneebone at the University of Calgary believes Trudeau’s Liberals will need to work across party lines in the best interest of Alberta’s struggling economy.
“He’s got a $4.5 billion pipeline that he owns and he needs to get it built and needs to get a return on that investment,” said Kneebone.
Prime Minister-elect Justin Trudeau addressed the economic downturn in the oilpatch in his victory speech late Monday night.
“To Canadians in Alberta and Saskatchewan, know that you are an essential part of our great country,” said Trudeau.
“I've heard your frustration but I want to be there to support you. Let us all work hard to bring our country together.”
Tuesday afternoon, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney responded to Trudeau's words.
"If the prime minister means what he says about listening to Alberta and Saskatchewan, the clearest way he could do so would be to unequivocally commit this new government to the completion of the pipeline."
Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) President and CEO Tim McMillan chimed in, saying, "I think we're hoping for a reset coming out of this election.
"It's going to have complications not having somebody on the ground that knows our industry."
Kneebone believes Trudeau now has to follow through on that message.
“Certainly Calgary and Alberta in general is in a challenging position,” said Kneebone.
“The sun will rise tomorrow and the day after," he added. "Things will carry on.”
