On the surface of the issue, most would immediately give a very certain NO. Though many find irony in the fact that these protesters use oil themselves, the oil carried by this proposed pipeline will be sent to the BC coast where it’ll be sent to China, not a drop of which will be directed to Canadians. Many cannot get over the environmental hazard caused by the pipeline but also by the oil tankers on the Coast of BC threatening environments on land and sea. Despite Enbridge’s best efforts to appease the public by promising the highest safety precautions, their track records suggest a spill will be more likely than not to happen. The substance being transported is called Bitumen, which in water actually sinks, so if any spillage occurs, the effects will be devastating and clean up extremely challenging as seen in the spill in Kalamazoo River.
On the other end, if this pipeline isn’t built, the oil will still have to be transported in some way. The alternative will be by train or road which is more hazardous and inefficient compared to a pipeline. Although many would like the oil to not be transported at all, but Canada’s economy depends largely on its natural resource exports, among which is the oil from Alberta. It is an imperfect world and the oil has to be moved somehow.
What do you think should happen? Or is there a better third alternative that avoids both environmental and economic disaster?
Sources:
http://www.fraserinstitute.org/research-news/news/display.aspx?id=20491