Stelmach swaps planes to meet Cameron

Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach may have to use a government airplane to take aflight back to the province so he can meet with Oscar-winning director James Cameron about the oilsands.

"We're looking at all possible options. I think the only option left is a government plane and it's a long flight," Stelmach said Tuesday.

The Canadian-born Cameron has told the premier's office he'd like to meet at the provincial legislature in Edmonton on the morning of Sept. 29. But Stelmach will be in Ottawa for an energy conference on Tuesday night.

Using a government plane isn't typical for Stelmach, who prefers to take commercial flights to get around Canada and the U.S.

"There's no guarantee it will change his mind but at least [we can] provide information to him in a meeting, if we can put it together, that will give our side of the story," Stelmach said.

Cameron a 'techno-geek'

Earlier this year, Stelmach invited Cameron to meet with him after the Avatar director made comments critical ofthe Alberta oilsands, calling them a "black eye" on Canada's reputation. Cameron wants to see more money spent on green energy.

Cameron only has a two-hour window to meet with Stelmach. He also plans to tour the oilsands and meet with aboriginal people who live in the area.

Stelmach told reporters Tuesday that he is eager to meet with Cameron.

"He's a bit of a techno-geek. He's involved in technology and this is a good opportunity to talk about the technology that's being applied in the oilsands and share and appeal to his common sense."

Stelmach plans to tell Cameron that the oilsands create jobs in Canada and the United States, providing people with the disposable income they can use to spend on entertainment.

The Alberta oilsands have been the topic of visits and discussions with high-profile American politicians in the last month. Stelmach met with the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, in Ottawa earlier this month.

Last week, Senators Lindsey Graham, Saxby Chambliss and Kay Hagan were in Alberta for a tour of the oilsands.