EDMONTON – Opposition politicians are raising concerns over a report for Alberta’s energy regulator that suggests doctors are reluctant to draw links between health problems and the province’s energy industry.

The report says that even though most health professionals believe petrochemical emissions affect health, doctors are unwilling to point to specific cases.

It says that’s because research on the links is lacking and because those in the health-care system fear consequences of speaking out against Alberta’s most important industry.

New Democrat critic Rachel Notley says the provincial government has avoided the kind of research that could settle questions about the long-term effects of petrochemical emissions.

Liberal member of the legislature David Swann says he experienced consequences himself when he lost his job as a public health doctor for speaking up about climate change when Ralph Klein was premier.

The report was prepared for a public inquiry on energy industry odours in the Peace River area that begins this week.