As oil and gas becomes harder and harder to acquire through standard methods, the process of Fracking is becoming more and more prominent. The process of Fracking is surrounded with negative claims questioning its safety and environmental responsibility. As a result Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick have all put in place anti-Fracking regulations. In doing so, they’ve caused unrest in the western side of Canada, as people from Alberta, Saskatchewan, and BC are angered by the fact they receive provincial funds through Canada’s Equalization Program, that are mainly earned by the taxes on their oil industries.
This picture shows one off the dangerous potential results of Fracking if fluids used enter a well or water source. http://www.sustainablemontreal.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/ScreenHunter_01-Aug.-30-14.35.gif
This dispute, resulting from the potentially hypocritical actions of the eastern provinces, provides a prime example of ethics in business, and how they can easily vary from party to party. Also, it demonstrates how the ethical choice might not always be the right choice, as it could violate another set of ethics. The environmental gain comes at the cost of burdening the rest of the country. Both sides present valid arguments in my opinion, and personally I find it hard to pick a position. I’ve come across just as many articles and documentaries supporting Fracking as I have ones fighting it. However, the fact that the eastern provinces have little industry or income sources leads me to lean towards the pro-Fracking side. The business resulting from engaging in Fracking would greatly benefit these provinces, and help them avoid deficits that they have been struggling with.