Toxic tailings do not belong in the Athabasca River
This follows on recent revelations from a leaked Alberta Energy
Regulator presentation that in a “worst-case scenario” total liabilities
for oil and gas operations could be as much as $260-billion. Taxpayers
have purchased a used pipeline from Kinder Morgan for $4.5-billion so
the industry can ship its product to unspecified markets, which we are
assured will be profitable. The industry is also demanding weakened
review procedures to fast track new development, despite the oil-sands
expansion likely making it impossible for Canada to meet international
commitments for greenhouse gas reductions. Are there no limits to the
concessions that we must make to facilitate this ill-conceived industry?