Canada's dirty oil

As previously stated, everybody has the right to express their opinions, but please do not state untrue “facts” to support those opinions – unless you wish to be challenged.

If you prefer balanced budgets over taking care of the less-fortunate via social safety nets – that is your right.

If you prefer that individuals have the right to protest and interfere with others’ activities because a perceived grievance – that is your right.

If you prefer not to have medical restrictions or measures that would protect the great majority of our citizens – that is your right.

If you prefer to kick the infrastructure can down the road to future generations when costs and interest are higher – that is your right.

But you have no right to mislead the public. The fact is Canada has (some) of the dirtiest oils in the world. Canada is listed as having the 47th cleanest oil. Only three out of 50 countries rated have dirtier oil than Canada: Algeria; Cameroon; and Venezuela.

Oil has three classifications, depending on viscosity and sulphur content—light, medium and heavy. Tar sands oil consists of clay, water, sand, and bitumen. Three-quarters of Canada’s oil produced in the oil producing region is classed as “heavy sour” and has a horrific carbon footprint.

The foregoing information is readily available to anyone who cares to research the matter. The fact is, Canada does not have the cleanest oil in the world, far from it.

As for the other matters I mentioned, I do not challenge anyone’s right to hold those opinions but, as a humanist, I will continue to speak out about issues that can negatively impact the majority of the general population.

Patrick MacDonald