DiCaprio is one more voice blasting oilsand development

Actor Leonardo DiCaprio was in Fort McMurray for a few days to tour the oilsands for an environmental documentary he is working on, reports CBC News. DiCaprio wanted to see the oilsands first-hand and learn more about their impact. He currently serves on the board of the World Wildlife Fund and Natural Resources Defence Council and started his own environmental charity foundation in 1998. DiCaprio narrates the recently released video Carbon, which warns about climate change and depicts the fossil-fuel industry as a robotic monster stomping over the Earth. DiCaprio’s visit to the oilsands was met by criticism by the Alberta government and the oil industry. “It was a great boon for the community,” Eriel Deranger, communications co-ordinator for the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, told the Globe and Mail. “It’s a reflection that we are getting our message across, and I’m happy to see a slew of celebrities showing concerns for what is happening in the region.” While there, DiCaprio also took part in the ALS ice bucket challenge, calling out Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Harper has already made donations to ALS. Also taking part in the ice bucket challenge were ACFN Chief Allan Adam, who challenged Dave Collyer president of Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, and Mikisew Cree Nation Chief Steve Courtoreille, who challenged Shell CEO Ben van Beurden.