Nestle Chairman Peter Brabeck-Letmathe claims, in a report released in Switzerland that Alberta is fertile grounds to sell water as a commodity. So far Alberta minister for the environment denies having talks about this with Nestle and says that water is protected, but with the tar sands threatening aquifers and water quality and a water intense agricultural sector, Alberta has a lot at stake when it comes to water resources.


Alberta plays down Nestle executive's talk of stock market for water

EDMONTON — Alberta's water is not for sale, Environment Minister Rob Renner declared Wednesday in the face of reports that a major multinational company is discussing the creation of a water exchange in the province.

"Albertans are protected and will continue to be protected by the best water legislation anywhere in the world. . . . It will always stay that way as long as Albertans want it to stay that way," Renner told the legislature, dismissing what he called "conspiracy theories."

But opposition critics expressed alarm that Nestle has claimed to be "actively dealing" with the province over the establishment of a water exchange that would operate like a stock market for water.

Peter Brabeck-Letmathe, who chairs the world's largest food group, has told Reuters news agency Alberta should be the first place to consider an exchange-based water trade.

"We are actively dealing with the government of Alberta to think about a water exchange," he said, noting Alberta could face fierce competition between farmers needing water for crops, and oil companies needing water to extract and process oilsands bitumen.

Brabeck-Letmathe, a guest speaker for the Alberta Water Research Institute last June, added Alberta has separated land rights and water rights, so landowners don't automatically have rights to water running through their properties.

Renner told reporters he did not recall discussions with Nestle, but said he has heard from "a significant number of people who are talking about the concept."

"On the other hand, I hear from just as many people, probably more, who are opposed to the idea, so it's at the discussion stage right now," he said. "It's a healthy discussion."

The environment minister said Alberta water strategy and legislation is decided by the Alberta legislative assembly and "not by an individual in Europe."

But he did leave the door open for the possibility.

"There needs to be at some point in time a healthy discussion around how we create the circumstances that will incent the conservation of water beyond voluntary measures," he said. "I think there will come a day at some point in time where we need to value water. Whether that means the formation of some kind of market remains to be seen."

Renner said that's a decision that Albertans need to participate in "and I am not going to prejudge the outcome."

But the concept was blasted by Alberta NDP leader Brian Mason, who accused the government of "conspiring behind closed doors."

"They are meeting behind the scenes with one of the largest . . . corporations in the world to create a water market that will benefit companies like Nestle," he charged. Those with deep pockets will get control of Alberta's water resources and the people of Alberta,farmers and city dwellers alike, will be left out in the cold."

Wildrose Alliance member of legislature Paul Hinman says the idea of a water exchange is just plain wrong.

"Albertans have spoken out loudly about it," he said. "It's divisive on regions, on industry and on people."

Liberal leader David Swann said his party would not negotiate with an international company over Alberta's water because it is the province's primary and most valued resource.

"The reason we do not support a water market is because we believe water is for Albertans and the priorities have to be managed," he said. "We believe respectfully that the values of Albertans are pretty clear on this. We have a limited resource, especially in southern Alberta, and we need to set the priorities around people, agriculture and our own industry."

He questioned why Nestle wasn't listed on the province's lobbyist registry if it was in discussion with the Alberta government.

But Val Mellesmoen, a spokeswoman for the Alberta Water Research Institute, said she wouldn't characterize Nestle's contact with the provincially funded body as a "discussion with Alberta."

"What is accurate is that he did have some discussions with some of our researchers, and people involved in the AWRI project, but again, absolutely nothing formal, and there is currently no further work underway," she said.

Mellesmoen said Brabeck-Letmathe did compliment Alberta's current system and commitment to water.

"He could see Alberta being a possible global leader in something he considers inevitable that is, regulated markets to manage water supply and allocations," she said.

dhentoncalgaryherald.com

© Copyright (c) The Calgary Herald


Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Alberta+plays+down+Nestle+executive+talk+stock+market+water/4767731/story.html#ixzz1NMqIDusT