Stephen Harper would have us believe that the very salvation of Canada's economy depends on the economic viability of the Alberta tar sands. And that it is absolutely essential for the Keystone and the Northern Gateway Pipeline be approved to get that oil to market at a decent price to make a very costly operation profitable. And he will stop at nothing to do so. This includes dispatching his hapless ministers Peter Kent , environment and Joe Oliver, natural resources, to tell Americans bare faced lies about Canada's environmental record. Is it believable that all of a sudden Harper has found green religion and soon will be inviting David Suzuki to his house for tea and cookies?
Do pigs fly?
Even if his argument was correct that the profits of the tar sands depend on getting these pipelines approved, Canadians need to ask... who really profits? Well according to the Financial Post, one of Harper's closest media allies: " More than two-thirds of all oil sands production in Canada is owned by foreign entities, sending a majority of the industry’s profits out of the country.." No doubt this is probably not a concern to the 1% who hold all the wealth in this country and are the major advertisers in such publication. As such , it follows that publications such as the Post and the Globe and Mail have consistently been running, and that means almost every day, articles and editorials that support Harper's argument for the tar sands. These publications serve the interests of the deep pockets of corporate Canada and so does Harper.
And what does the average Canadian get out of all of this?
Let me again refer to the Financial Post and how they see it: "Internal federal documents have concluded oil sands production is the fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada. Scientists and governments from around the world say all sources of the heat-trapping emissions must be dramatically reduced to avoid potentially irreversible changes to the planet’s ecosystems, atmosphere and the global economy from climate change."
I should point out that the above quote comes from an article in the Post dated some 2 years ago which is before the urgent call came out from Harper to green wash the activities of the tar sands and his government.
Do pigs fly?
Even if his argument was correct that the profits of the tar sands depend on getting these pipelines approved, Canadians need to ask... who really profits? Well according to the Financial Post, one of Harper's closest media allies: " More than two-thirds of all oil sands production in Canada is owned by foreign entities, sending a majority of the industry’s profits out of the country.." No doubt this is probably not a concern to the 1% who hold all the wealth in this country and are the major advertisers in such publication. As such , it follows that publications such as the Post and the Globe and Mail have consistently been running, and that means almost every day, articles and editorials that support Harper's argument for the tar sands. These publications serve the interests of the deep pockets of corporate Canada and so does Harper.
And what does the average Canadian get out of all of this?
Let me again refer to the Financial Post and how they see it: "Internal federal documents have concluded oil sands production is the fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada. Scientists and governments from around the world say all sources of the heat-trapping emissions must be dramatically reduced to avoid potentially irreversible changes to the planet’s ecosystems, atmosphere and the global economy from climate change."
I should point out that the above quote comes from an article in the Post dated some 2 years ago which is before the urgent call came out from Harper to green wash the activities of the tar sands and his government.
