Energy transition — moving away from fossil fuels toward more renewable sources of energy — is well underway, even in Alberta. For example, Alberta will move completely away from coal-fired electricity by the end of 2023. Despite this, energy transition is sometimes presented as, and for some genuinely perceived as an “existential” threat to economic prosperity, particularly for provinces like Alberta. This presentation outlines public opinion about energy transition; knowing this helps explain and understand how and why energy transition is politicized by elite and partisan political actors.

Speaker: Melanee Thomas, PhD Professor - Department of Political Science - University of Calgary

Melanee Thomas is a Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Calgary. Her research addresses the causes and consequences of gender-based political inequality, focusing on Canadian political parties, elections, and political institutions; gender and politics; and the politics of energy transition. Her scholarship appears in Electoral Studies, Political Communication, Politics and Gender, Political Behavior, Energy Politics, and the Canadian Journal of Political Science.

Moderator: Dr. Bev Muendel-Atherstone

Date/Time: Thursday, November 16, 2023. The presentation begins at 12 noon & concludes at 1pm.

Cost: Free, donations, however, are gratefully accepted.

Location: Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO), Dining Room, 500-11 Street S, Lethbridge

Lunch & Refreshments: The atrium Dining Room will be available by 11:15am. Please arrive early to patronize the LSCO cafeteria and enjoy their excellent variety of good value food options.


Session Video


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