13:40:25	 From  Jon Legg : My question for Ruben is related to the clivage between the left and right of the political spectrum.  During my time in BC, and long-term resident explained that many of the cities of BC grew from one-company towns; hence there is a clear "right" political party, and a clear left one, at the the provincial level.  At the federal level the two main parties are not that far from each other. W hat is the situation in Alberta?

14:05:55	 From  John Meyer : Question:  First I don't agree at all that a modern economy needs to grow.  Specific inflation dependent sectors need growth but the vast majority of the wealth producing sectors can prosper with current levels of sales.  However, the QUESTION is: When all of the debt and legacy costs are included in the calculation, can the oil sands be seen as a viable business?

14:24:11	 From  Peter Bulkowski : Great diatribe, but what are you "predicting" for Alberta society & economy?

14:26:43	 From  Myles Flaig : Question: I worked closely with Ric McIver when he was a Progressive Conservative.  When the party dropped “Progressive “ and became UCP, I left them. So about 10 years ago, I publicly asked him, what is the truth on tailings pond remediation, because I don’t want my children stuck with the cleanup. He agreed.  Since then there is an Alberta government report that says it will cost $100 to $259 BILLION to clean up.  Do you have any insights to share on this situation?

14:29:52	 From  Mike Nickerson : We need to reduce resource exploitation and pollution by reducing consumption.

Belt tightening, however, lacks broad appeal.

Might pointing out what we can reclaim work better?  To become consumers we gave up time for relationships, appreciation, service, sport, creativity, learning and the like.  These life-based activities can be represented by the single word--fun--because their effects are uplifting for those engaged.  

Might we then make some progress toward a sustainable world by aspiring toward more fun, less stuff?

www.sustainwellbeing.net/Getting-From-Here-to-There.html

14:35:12	 From  Mary Hegan : I wish to ask question.  Can one awaken the male right side of brain which provides satisfaction and deliverables on the home front?  What is role of modern, entrepreneurial WOMEN in Albertan society?

14:35:18	 From  Myles Flaig : Question: After 70 years of having an oil and gas industry, only NOW we are pursuing world price for oil, after allowing the USA and Koch Brothers to suck at the teet for cheap all these years?  Any thoughts?

14:37:27	 From  Ted Manning : There is a growing international demand to governments to stop subsidizing fossil fuels.  How does this go over in Alberta?

14:47:45	 From  Ted Manning : Are the assumptions different in Alberta...re futures, causes, and repercussions?

15:12:34	 From  John Meyer : National conversation is dead.

15:13:50	 From  Mike Nickerson : Thanks Rubin.  If you are inclined, please contact me  sustain5@web.ca

[Post recording: 104 ha have been reclaimed in the Alberta bitumen mining sands, and over 95,300 hectares have been distrubed.  Ed.]