Grit boss urges CO2 capture

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to our or .

| Sourced From |

EDMONTON — The leader of the federal Opposition says Canada’s top level of government has a role in making Alberta’s oilsands industry sustainable.

“We’re operating this thing like it’s the Klondike and it’s not the Klondike,” Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff told to the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce yesterday. “We’re going to be there (in the oilsands) for a century or more.”

Ignatieff said he supports development of the oilsands, saying they are “an integral part of the future of Canada.”

“Our country has less than 1% of the world’s population but it has 15% of the world’s proven oil reserves. And 97% of those reserves are found in the Alberta oilsands.”

Those reserves are in a stable, democratic country that works with the private sector, he added.

“No other oil nation can match that claim and that record. This is a huge Alberta advantage, a huge Canadian advantage.”

But he said the industry has to work to become environmentally sustainable.

Ignatieff said the federal government can be a partner in programs such as carbon sequestration, as well as helping to fund research into reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the impact of tailing ponds.

A hard cap on emissions, much like one proposed by U.S. President Barack Obama, is part of the solution, he said.

But targets can’t be imposed on the oilpatch, he said.

“You work with industry to make the caps realistic.”

Industry representatives said Ignatieff’s support for oilsands development reflects a growing appreciation across the country of the industry’s importance to the national economy.

Roman Cooney, vice-president of communications for the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, pointed out 13% of oilsands-related economic development occurs in Ontario and 44% of Canadian oilsands-related employment is outside Alberta.

“All the provinces in Canada have a big stake (in the oilsands) on all three issues: Environment, energy and economic growth.”

Cooney said the industry is taking steps to reduce its environmental impact.

But Canadians probably aren’t aware of the scope of those industry efforts.

“Most Canadians recognize that it is important to be able to develop Canada’s resources.

“That doesn’t mean that they’re not aware of the importance of doing so in an environmentally responsible manner.”