Teck oil sands project splits Canada’s indigenous people, poses challenge for Trudeau
Teck Resources Ltd would build the C$20.6 billion ($15.76 billion)
Frontier mine 110 kilometers (68 miles) north of Fort McMurray, Alberta,
capable of eventually producing 260,000 barrels of crude oil per day.
The mine, which would be one of the largest in Alberta’s oil sands,
requires federal approval, even as the Trudeau government has promised
to reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.
Frontier mine 110 kilometers (68 miles) north of Fort McMurray, Alberta,
capable of eventually producing 260,000 barrels of crude oil per day.
The mine, which would be one of the largest in Alberta’s oil sands,
requires federal approval, even as the Trudeau government has promised
to reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.
A
decision is due by the end of February. Trudeau has set a priority of
improving the country’s relations with indigenous people, many of whom
live in poverty and sub-standard living conditions.
All 14 First
Nations and Metis communities that would be directly affected have
signed agreements with Teck, supporting Frontier in exchange for
undisclosed economic benefits. But other indigenous groups staunchly
oppose it, saying the impact of more oil moving across western Canada
affects many more communities.