Oilsands gain a dirty name

Forget Canada’s image as a source of secure energy to the United States.

That was a couple of years ago, when the flavours of the day south of the border were indignation over soaring gasoline prices, while dependence on Middle East oil was the root of all evil, including the war in Iraq.


Now that Hollywood actors are buying carbon offsets to feel even better about their air-conditioned mansions and private jets, Canada is held in contempt for being the source of the dirtiest oil on the planet — the oilsands.

It’s an image that is ramping up quickly, pumped by politicians such as Al Gore, who has criticized oilsands developers for tearing up four tonnes of landscape for every barrel of oil produced, and by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, a champion of low-carbon fuel standards aimed at cutting imports from places like Alberta.

In recent days, it has been stoked even further by U.S. groups including the Freedom from Oil Coalition and the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Financial Post