This article is a response to a Toronto Star piece. The following letter was submitted to the Star, but the editorial staff refused to publish: One of the problems with writers choosing the harshest, most catastrophic-sounding language when discussing climate change is those word-choices can contribute to a sense of defeatism - of giving up – among readers. Tom Walkom’s recent column, “Climate fears are real, so oil sands must close,” is an example over-the-top rhetoric that serves nobody … [Read more...]
Op-Ed: U of A: Drop this senseless initiative to honour anti-oil zealot
What a strange world the University of Alberta’s president and vice-chancellor appear to inhabit. David Turpin’s venerable institution decided – apparently right out of the blue and without any reasonable explanation – to honour a divisive, zealous opponent of Alberta’s most important sector. Now Turpin, the school’s highest-ranked staffer, has staked U of A’s pristine reputation with his following through giving an honorary degree to Canada’s doctor of doom, sultan of smear towards … [Read more...]
Op Ed: Balkissoon should tamp down the rhetoric on Alberta energy sector
In her recent column in the Globe and Mail, Denise Balkissoon claimed it’s complicated to be a climate hawk living in Ontario. But she feels she has Alberta all figured out. Let me update her on a few key facts. In Ontario, where coal-displacing gas-plants are cancelled for political expediency, and where CO2-free nuclear power is under threat by – wait for it – the Ontario Clean Air Alliance, I’ll admit eastern climate hawks do have their work cut out for them. But for Balkissoon to hope … [Read more...]
Column: Turns out Bill Nye isn’t much of a Science Guy
If you work in Canada’s oil and gas sector – or in fact any natural resource sector - you probably don’t have the media access of some of the biggest critics of your activities. Here I’m thinking of people like Leo DiCaprio, Neil Young or Jane Fonda. That’s no news flash; we know it’s just the way it’s been with celebrities who wander into discussions they don’t know much about. Sector employees and contractors, as well as indirect providers of goods and services across the country, are … [Read more...]
Column: Burnaby Mayor is holding up Trans Mountain and here’s what you can do
If you thought the Kinder Morgan TransMountain expansion was approved and good to go, it turns out you were only half right. Oh sure, the Federal government is on-side, and so is National Energy Board. So, too, are all First Nations along the route. As large infrastructure projects go, TransMountain’s approval is especially strong. Why is it not yet proceeding? Who’s holding it up? It turns out the delay is coming from a local mayor in the BC city of Burnaby, and his friends in the … [Read more...]
Canada Action seeks volunteers to help promote Canada’s energy industry
Canada Action invites you to join us at our Canada Action Volunteer coordination kick-off event! Join the positive discussion surrounding Canadian resource development in the interest of improving the lives of all Canadians. It will take place on November 2nd, at Fort Calgary, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. You can expect to have interactive stations, speakers, and networking opportunities. Please RSVP to info@canadaaction.ca. Or alternatively, RSVP through our meetup group. … [Read more...]
Canada Action founder Cody Battershill debates protestor on radio
Before we can successfully cool down the contentious oil and gas debate and foster a more balanced energy conversation in Canada, from time to time we’re going to have to stand up to misinformation and fear-mongering. So when Rob Breakenridge recently invited me and Wilderness Committee oil and gas campaigner Peter McCartney onto Rob’s popular AM770 radio program to discuss Canada’s energy future, I was happy to accept. I’m providing you with a link so that you can listen to the 18-minute … [Read more...]
5 ways forward in support of Keystone XL
It’s been tough being 350.org lately. With the recent signing of a permit by President Donald Trump giving federal authorization for the construction of Keystone XL, the US activist group with a number for a name is looking for a re-set. It recently published its “#No KXL Strategy Session: 5 Ways Forward to Stop Keystone XL Pipeline.” So, inspired by the false statements of these pawns of the US foundation industry, and committed to correcting the facts wherever I can, I offer you our … [Read more...]
Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream should steer clear of Keystone XL
I love ice cream. Who doesn’t? There’s something indescribably and intrinsically good about ice cream. Simple and delicious. If there’s anything that should be safe from the hypocritical bluster of pop culture’s anti-oil and gas crusade, it should be ice cream. Right? Let carbon-burning Hollywood celebrities and special interest groups fight that battle. Every time they do, we get to talk about how great the Canadian oil and gas industry is. But ice cream fits way better packed tightly … [Read more...]
There’s Still Time For Jane Fonda To Change Her Views On Alberta Oil
One thing stands out when reading about Jane Fonda, who visited the Fort McMurray region this week. She seems, sometimes at least, to learn from her mistakes. Let's face it; in the world of superficial Hollywood activism populated by the likes of Leo DiCaprio and Daryl Hannah, self-awareness seems to shut down as soon as the director yells "cut." Off-camera, activist movie stars tend not to express much interest in new information. For Leo and Daryl, you get the sense they know everything … [Read more...]
