Between the fall of 1973 and the spring of 1974 world oil prices quadrupled.

The effects of this sudden increase were dramatic everywhere, but particulary so here in Prince Edward Island, Canada. With 100% of electricity coming from fossil fuel generators, gasoline and home heating oil prices that were already higher than elsewhere, and a lower per-capita income than most of Canada, the so-called "energy crisis" hit the Island hard, and spawned interest in looking at sustainable alternatives to meeting the Island's energy needs.

Politically Prince Edward Island was well-poised to take steps in this direction: in the midst of a bold 15-year "Comprehensive Development Plan," the Island's provincial government was already on a drive to modernize the economy and infrastructure. Premier Alex Campbell, spurred on by his executive secretary Andy Wells, who had become interested in the work of the Club of Rome, of E.F. Schumacher and of Louis Mumford, redirected some of this drive for modernization into an exploration of energy alternatives, taking an uncommonly broad, ecological view of the challenges.  At a 1976 speech in Montreal, Campbell laid out the broad view of his administration:

What I am presenting to you then, is a suggestion, not for a new society, but for a new direction to our society. One that emphasizes self-reliance and involvement of our citizens rather than encouraging them to be passive consumers. It accentuates decentralization of capital and decision making, rather than intensive control. I envision a highly diversified society. I believe this is in keeping not only with our traditional values but also with our modern aspirations for a pluralistic society.

This would be a bold statement for a leader to make today; in 1976 it was doubly so coming from Campbell, leader of a small, remote, conservative province averse to dramatic change.

Peter has done a wonderful job here - This is a compelling story - Told with passion by David - "I came for a weekend and stayed 35 years..."

Surely we can take Premier Campbell's words then and apply them today - Work to shift our society to "one that emphasizes self reliance and involvement of our citizens ..."

As a 60 year old with a grand daughter, I feel that I can no longer simply talk and exhort. I have tried to do a few things at home but it is not enough.

Sophia is one year old - what will life be like when she is 60? Will I die knowing that I have done my bit?