This article discusses the impact of the proposed construction of the Northern Gateway pipeline and the proposed expansion of the Trans Mountain pipeline, both traveling from Alberta to the west coast of Canada in British Columbia. These pipelines would be extremely influential in increasing Canadian resources in foreign markets and would give a boost to Canada’s economy.
Many people, such as economist Milton Friedman, would argue that the only duty a business has is its duty to its shareholders. In this particular case the duty of the business would be to build the pipeline, leading to the expansion of the business and presumably the satisfaction of shareholders.
A business, however, has much more to consider than just its shareholders. A business has to consider all of its stakeholders including its customers, suppliers, employers, and community. The actions that a business takes, affects all of these parties. Through building the pipelines that reach to the coast of British Columbia, once absent oil tanker traffic and the potential for oil spills will plague areas such as Vancouver and the surrounding islands. In order to make an ethical decision, the oil companies must consider the desires of the communities of cities such as Vancouver as well as Native groups like the Haida Gwaii who have adamantly expressed opposition to the plan.
The construction of the pipeline would not only be an ethical mistake by harming the environment and the affected communities, but would also hurt the companies by damaging precious goodwill.