SECTIONS

On February 4, Members of Parliament received a copy of the documentary Dark Side of the Boom: Canada’s Mordor as part of Take Charge! A National Day of Action to Demand a Canadian Energy Strategy. Our message to MPs is simple – there must be no exemption for the tar sands from the proposed binational climate change pact. In the lead up to President Barack Obama’s visit to Canada, the Harper government has called for binational action on climate change, while at the same time promoting Alberta’s tar sands as a secure energy source. Like oil and water, real action addressing climate change and current and increased production in the tar sands simply don’t mix. Andrea Harden-Donahue, Energy Campaigner, and Maude Barlow, Chairperson of the Council of Canadians, gave statements on Parliament Hill and presented Linda Duncan (Edmonton-Strathcona MP) 308 packages that will be delivered to all MPs. Across Canada communities are participating in activities to raise awareness about the need for a Canadian energy strategy. The tar sands are a key example of the environmental and social consequences of flawed free trade agreements, free market rules and big oil directing development rather than sound public policy. We need a Canadian energy strategy guided by the principles of energy security and ecological sustainability, not a binational climate change pact that would allow for current and increased emissions in the tar sands. Click here to view Dark Side of the Boom: Canada’s Mordor.

TAKE ACTION!