Re: Article by Christine Hinzmann July 18/2014
Canada's oil sands producers are deeply concerned about suggestions that we don't take proper protective measures, or that we lack care or concern about our neighbours' health. These suggestions are troubling to us as citizens, parents and employees.
A Royal Society of Canada scientific report found no evidence linking health issues to oil sands development. The RSC study was confirmed by an Alberta Health Services report in March. Nevertheless, industry continues to advocate for more studies if health authorities believe it to be warranted.
The oil transportation safety track record over the past 50 years is very good. But work continues to improve prevention and ensure producers, transportation companies and spill-responders have the best information available to manage products safely and to make the best plans possible for response, containment and clean-up in the event of an incident.
Canadian land spill response requirements have been further strengthened and marine tanker systems - from navigation to liability rules that place responsibility firmly at the feet of industry - have been raised to a world-class level.
And while all industrial development impacts the environment, oil sands impact is regulated, reduced where possible and ultimately will be reversed through reclamation over time to a sustainable landscape. The goal is to reduce impact while meeting peoples' needs and creating economic value.
The Northern Gateway pipeline and others like it, with the conditions applied by regulators and governments, will be among the safest in the world and will deliver significant tangible benefits to the country as a whole. It is strategic, it's smart and it's timely.
Greg Stringham
Vice-president
Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers
