For decades a federal moratorium has protected B.C’s sensitive northern waters from crude-oil tankers. However, all that will change if currently proposed oil pipelines are built from Alberta to B.C, carrying 250,000barrels of oil and 150.000 barrels of condensate per day, a project known as Enbridge Pipeline. While Enbridge Inc. loudly proclaims huge benefits from such a project, environmentalists and economists are in an uproar of condemnation. So the real question is: should the Enbridge Pipeline project be continued?
Looking at this debate reminded me of an important concept we learned in class that is linked to this controversy– shared value. Shared value is defined as policies that enhance the competitiveness of the company while, as the same time, advancing the economical and social conditions in the community in which it operates. Given the possibility of the Enbridge Pipeline spill being as high as 90%, according to a study from SFU, such practice clearly doesn’t match up with the concepts of shared value. While Gateway, the CEO of Enbridge Inc., may profit substantially from this project, huge costs will be borne by Canadians in degradation of their environment and quality of life.
References:
http://www.gatewayfacts.ca/about-the-project/project-overview/