SARNIA, Ont. – Activists plan to protest in Sarnia, Ont., as a two-day national conference on oil sands bitumen kicks off today.
The “Bitumen Adding Value Conference” is meant to bring together industry leaders, experts and decision-makers to discuss the production of value-added products from the oil sands resource.
Environmental and First Nations activists have gathered in the southern Ontario city to demonstrate their opposition to Alberta oil sands development and proposed pipelines.
Protesters have planned a rally and water ceremony for today at Sarnia’s city hall.
Community members from Aamjiwnaang First Nation, located in the Sarnia area, will then lead a march to the site of the conference to protest.
Organizers of the rally say the First Nation is surrounded by a cluster of 60 industrial facilities in Sarnia’s “chemical valley” – including petro-chemical plants and refineries.