Premier says Alberta won't limit oilsands growth as suggested by new minister

Candian Press, EDMONTON, Jan. 15, 2010— Premier Ed Stelmach is downplaying comments by his new energy minister about moderating growth in Alberta's sprawling oilsands. Stelmach says Alberta simply needs to be better prepared to facilitate growth in the oilsands as the economy recovers.

Energy Minister Ron Liepert is quoted as saying that cabinet needs to have a discussion on whether to limit future growth in the area. The premier says "there won't be any policy change."

Shortly after the new cabinet was sworn in, Liepert told reporters that he and the premier are on the same page over oilsands development. Environmentalists have pushed for years to limit growth in the region, which was at a frantic pace until the recession forced most projects to be delayed.