Online research finds statements opposing tarsands development

A report released by the Keepers of the Athabasca indicates that many Canadian groups do not support oil sands development. “We did online research for statements in opposition to oil sands development and found it surprising how many statements of opposition were out there, not just from environmental groups, but also from First Nations … (but) from prominent Canadians such as former Alberta premier Peter Lougheed in 2006,” said Keepers’ spokesperson Helene Walsh, in a news release. The research found 35 groups have indicated opposition to new tarsands development since 2006. Comments noted in the Keepers’ six-page report included those attributed to Treaties 6, 7, and 8; First Nations Dehcho, Fort Chipewyan, and Beaver Lake Cree; and conservation groups, both provincial and national, such as the Indigenous Environmental Network, Keepers of the Athabasca, and Greenpeace; labour groups, religious groups, political groups, scientists, and actors such as Graham Greene and Tantoo Cardinal.