In Support of Andrew Nikiforuk: The Tar Sands and the Need for Effective Change
By Anthony Pintabona
Throughout the history of Canada, there has been no greater misuse of resources
than the expansion of the tar sands. As the nation cultivates its land for the
purpose of financial gain, Andrew Nikiforuk, in his book entitled Tar Sands:
Dirty Oil and the Future of a Continent, stands as a lone voice in the battle
against corporate evil in favour of environmental righteousness and humane
action. Warning against the reckless expansion of the tar sands--without a
concrete plan as to what the future may hold--Nikiforuk appears to be more
considerate of the Canadian landscape's well being than the Government of
Canada itself, an eerie reminder of the misplaced trust we place upon authority
figures to "do the right thing". Nikiforuk makes it clear that finance has once
again taken precedence over morals.
As Albertan bitumen production marches on, it is apparent that Andrew
Nikiforuk, Albertan national and author, has a deep-rooted connection to the
issue unfolding "in his backyard". Having won numerous awards in his past,
Nikiforuk exercises his eloquent writing style towards remedying the current
state of political in-action in regards to the tar sands issue. It is clear, after
reading Nikiforuk's book, that the tar sands--a project so massive and
destructive in its force and effect--is met without a long-term plan from the
government of Canada. The attitude at hand is one of carelessness and greed,
and is met with the committed destruction of Alberta as "a quick way of getting
rich", met with no consideration for the land or its people: A land and a
people that are not only dear to resident Nikiforuk, but the foundation of
Canadian value and experience as much so as any other province.
If Alberta is to be a sacrificial lamb to economic growth, what's stopping
those in power from moving onto another province after Alberta's oil has run
dry, and repeating the process? This is the question posed by Nikiforuk's work,
one that may well need to be answered by the whole of Canada at some point.
Toxic smog, as well as other hazardous health conditions, accompany the
destruction of the land in Alberta, so this is indeed a much more severe topic
than mere environmentalism--this is the debate of moral goodness and humanity.
Will we let our neighbors die at the hands of corrupt officials and mass
consumption? Would Montréalers, Vancouverites or Torontonians approve of taxing
their respective provinces for the cause? These questions seem to have all but
logical answers, and Nikiforuk doesn't hesitate to point out the glaring
contradictions and logical fallacies that seek to harm Alberta's well being.
According to Nikiforuk, " if the destruction continues, Alberta could very well
become Canada's own "Saudi-Arabia", a land not only completely barren and
pillaged of resources, but one wholly dependent on its fossil fuel production
for mere sustenance: "A third world province" in Canada.
Nikiforuk characterizes the tar sands' threat to Canada once again, this time
in outlining the dependence on foreign countries to purchase oil from Alberta.
The province is one of the leading places which supply oil to the United
States, thus, the idea of destroying Canada to benefit other countries arises,
and it is one that comes off as totally absurd to any patriotic Canadian. If
Canada is so concerned with economic growth and receiving money from wherever
it can with its exports, then it has lost the idea of a nation of brotherhood
within itself: It has begun to sell out its own peoples' well-being in the name
of development, resulting in poorer conditions of life. This is
counter-developmental, and creates animosity in the heart of its citizens. The
same can be witnessed in filmmaker Josh Fox's movie Gasland, which sees
American residents driven from their land as a result of fossil fuel
cultivation. With the association of negativity that surrounds oil drilling, it
seems all but apparent that in almost every instance, there has been more harm
done than good as a result. It is for this reason that there cannot be concrete
support for Alberta's tar sands, and it is time to find a new way to power our
society--one that doesn't destroy it in the process.
Throughout his book, Nikiforuk aims to offer a critical social critique of the
society surrounds him as an Albertan. While the nature of Western society
stresses constant development, there needs to be a more efficient way of
meeting said goal, and If we do not map out the future of the tar sands on an
intelligent, moderate use basis, we pose the risk of altering our country's
environment beyond repair. The tar sands have already caused irreversible
damage, let there not be any more needless destruction of Canadian soil.
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