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Activist marketing of Canadian oil sands is pure fantasy: association |
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Written by Andre Voshart
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An environmental group last week launched a new video game that takes aim at Canada's oil and gas industry. The game includes a storyline that pits players against political leaders on a hyperbolized industrial backdrop.
"Balancing environmental protection, economic growth and providing ongoing safe and reliable supplies of energy is not a game," said Janet Annesley, vice-president of communications for the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP).
"Using guerilla marketing tactics to distract people from the realities of energy production may be entertaining but it's not informative or constructive to a meaningful conversation about energy issues and solutions." The association goes on to say the Canadian oil sands are some of the vital resources that provide energy to Canada and North America. However, oil sands are only one part of Canada's energy mix.
"Canada has the second largest reserves of crude oil in the world. We are also the third largest natural gas producer and the second largest hydroelectric producer, so calling Canada a 'Tar Nation' is inaccurate," Annesley said.
The association adds that Canada's oil sands, located primarily in Alberta, have the potential to significantly enhance North America's energy security by providing a safe and reliable supply of crude oil and petroleum products, and the oil sands industry is committed to the responsible development of this important resource.
In Northern Alberta, oil sands are developed using two techniques: surface mining or in situ drilling. Surface mining, which is used to develop 20 per cent of the resource, utilizes large electric shovels and trucks. In more than 40 years, oil sands development has disturbed approximately 530 square kilometers of land. This is equivalent to 1/10th of the Toronto metro area or 0.02 per cent of Canada's Boreal Forest. The other 80 per cent of the resource must be developed using advanced in situ drilling technology, similar to conventional oil production.
All lands disturbed by oil sands development must be fully reclaimed under both federal and provincial laws. The land, air, and water surrounding development are closely monitored and companies must abide by one of the strongest government regulatory systems in the world.
"Canadians deserve an opportunity to look at balanced information about energy, our social and environmental performance and to decide for themselves," Annesley said. "We invite Canadians to watch this video-tour of the oil sands for a reasonable and balanced perspective."
Video: http://www.capp.ca/canadaIndustry/oilSands/oil-sands-videos/Pages/Oil-Sands-Tour.aspx
www.capp.ca
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