Published October 9, 2002

The Federal Government continues to claim that Canada can substantially increase oil and gas production while honoring its international commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But Canada's annual emissions are already 70% above the targets set out in the Kyoto Protocol which requires our emissions to be six percent below 1990 levels by 2012.

In the past year, fuel prices have risen substantially and controversial energy projects including coal-fired power plants, tar sands operations and natural gas production, and processing facilities are being proposed and built in Canada to take advantage of the business opportunities arising from high prices. What is missing is an energy policy that takes the climate into account. Rising prices for energy and the calls for new energy supply cannot be separated from the need to reduce air pollution and global warming through conservation and a shift to renewable energy sources.

Three years after signing the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, the federal and provincial governments have no specific strategy to reduce emissions. At the same time, Ottawa continues to support the oil and gas industry with $40 billion in subsidies since 1970 rather than encourage and reward investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Canadian oil production increased from 547 million barrels in 1990 to 698 million in 1999. That year, Canada exported 458 million barrels to the USA, a 95% increase from the 234 million exported in 1990. From January to November 2000, the US imported more crude oil and petroleum products from Canada than from any other country. Prime Minister Chretien has repeatedly emphasized he will expand the Alberta Tar Sands to allow even greater increase in oil exports.

New oil and gas developments have other environmental impacts as well as the climate change caused by greenhouse gases. For example, pipelines require service roads and land clearing, often in areas where natural wilderness had been previously undisturbed, resulting in habitat disruption. As well, processing, production and transportation of the fossil fuels causes local and regional air pollution.

So it's business as usual, at the same time Canada claims to be addressing our Kyoto targets. Today there are more than 60 sites proposed or under development in the Alberta Tar Sands. Total greenhouse gas emissions from the proposed oil sands projects alone are estimated to grow from 21 million tonnes in 2000 to over 80 million tonnes per year by 2010. These emissions are just from the production of this oil, before the end products are even used.

Instead of always constantly expanding oil and gas supplies, Canada could stimulate jobs across the country by emphasizing energy efficiency and conservation. To do this, we must begin by working with the US on intelligent energy policies and renewable energy sources, rather than simply expanding fossil fuel supplies.

The calls for new energy supply cannot be separated from the need to reduce air pollution and global warming. By becoming more efficient in the way we use energy, we can meet our energy needs, protect the climate and create a healthier environment for current and future generations.