It is falsely assumed that big projects equal lots of jobs and, by extension, labour peace if not outright satisfaction. The size and scope of the tarsands means for incredibly dangerous work conditions-- some fatalities at the plants have already occurred. The products seldom get their "value added" in union-run locations, instead the heavy bitumen can be shipped to many different locations across North America for refining, denying benefits to the union. However, the Union does not represent the "guest worker", now being imported in increasing numbers as legislation is changed to make access easier, the term of exploitation last longer, without any new efforts or pathways to deciding to stay after helping tear up the earth.
Mud, sweat and tears
The vast tar sands of Alberta in Canada hold oil reserves six times the size of Saudi Arabia's. But this 'black gold' is proving a mixed blessing for the frontier town of Fort McMurray, fuelling both prosperity and misery. As the social and environmental toll mounts, Aida Edemariam reports on the dark side of a boom town.
Aida Edemariam
The Guardian// UK
Tuesday October 30 2007
October 28, 2007
Anthem (click on the image)
by Katie Beaton
The Dominion - http://www.dominionpaper.ca
anthem.jpg
October 30, 2007
Drugs
by Katie Beaton
(click on the image)
The business press and me: a case of unrequited love
Finance journalists have attacked my book, but I remain devoted to their papers. After all, they supplied the facts I used
Naomi Klein Thursday October 25, 2007 The Guardian
Alberta royalty change barely shakes energy markets
Petro-Canada will carry on with scheduled new oilsands projects
Friday, October 26, 2007
CBC News
Some energy stocks defied expectations by gaining value Friday, a day after Alberta introduced a controversial increase to the fees charged to oil and gas companies in the province.
Alberta royalties will rise to $1.4 billion more per year starting in 2009.
(CBC)
Stelmach royalty decision shows it will be business as usual for Alberta
In reality, royalties will fall by over $2 billion over the next ten years -- even with the changes announced Thursday
Diana Gibson and Ricardo Acuña, Freelance
Albertans can finally stop holding their breath. After extensive public consultation by the royalty review panel, lukewarm reception of the panel's report and extensive backroom consultation with industry, Premier Ed Stelmach has finally made his royalty policy announcement.
"Every Penny"
Kate Beaton
October 20, 2007
http://www.dominionpaper.ca/comics/1493
October 19, 2007
Townies (Fort McMurray)
by Katie Beaton
The Dominion http://dominionpaper.ca
October 21, 2007
Harper's Index
Stephen Harper introduces the tar sands issue
by Stephen Harper
The Dominion - http://www.dominionpaper.ca
We are currently the fifth largest energy producer in the world. We rank 3rd and 7th in global gas and oil production respectively. We generate more hydro-electric power than any other country on earth. And we are the world’s largest supplier of uranium. But that’s just the beginning.
