The Big Four oilsands companies’ influence threatens Alberta democracy, argues political scientist:

The Big Four’s political influence has most recently manifested in its dominant position in the Pathways Alliance. This lobbying consortium — known as COSIA — consists of the Big Four, ConocoPhillips and MEG Energy.  

According to their website, COSIA’s purpose
is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from oilsands production and
achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions. The Pathways Alliance sees
oilsands production carrying on for nearly three decades and beyond.

Central to this lobby effort has been successfully convincing Ottawa to give the firms a tax credit in the 2022 federal budget.
This sets a dangerous precedent — if Ottawa itself is willing to grant
the wishes of the Big Four, what chance will the Alberta premier have in
refusing similar requests?

The fiscally dependent Alberta government will continue its battles
against Ottawa on behalf of the Big Four. Whether or not this is good
for Alberta’s democracy, its residents and the planet is another matter
entirely.

The Big Four oilsands companies’ influence threatens Alberta democracy, argues political scientist: The Big Four’s political influence has most recently manifested in its dominant position in the Pathways Alliance. This lobbying consortium — known as COSIA — consists of the Big Four, ConocoPhillips and MEG Energy.  According to their website, COSIA’s purpose
is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from oilsands production and
achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions. The Pathways Alliance sees
oilsands production carrying on for nearly three decades and beyond.Central to this lobby effort has been successfully convincing Ottawa to give the firms a tax credit in the 2022 federal budget.
This sets a dangerous precedent — if Ottawa itself is willing to grant
the wishes of the Big Four, what chance will the Alberta premier have in
refusing similar requests?The fiscally dependent Alberta government will continue its battles
against Ottawa on behalf of the Big Four. Whether or not this is good
for Alberta’s democracy, its residents and the planet is another matter
entirely.Read More