We, the undersigned, represent diverse interests and individual priorities to our concern about the future of Alberta. We represent {environmental, social, conservation, labour, health, treaty rights, forestry, land use, humanitarian, water and economic concerns}; but we are united in our concern about the impact that out-of-control development of the oil sands is having on all areas of the province.
We are calling, with one voice, for the Alberta Government to take the first step for a cessation of new oil sands approvals and lease sales. The time is now to stop the uncontrolled oil sands development and deal with the environmental and social concerns that it has created.
Our concerns include some or all of the following: Communities downstream from tar sands mines and tailings ponds are being diagnosed with rare forms of cancer and auto-immune disorders;
The overheated economy means high inflation and a shortage of health care professionals, affordable housing and workers for critical infrastructure projects;
Out-of-control tar sands development has made Alberta the pollution capital of Canada; the industries greenhouse gas emissions now represent the fastest growing source of Canadas global warming pollution;
Millions of acres of pristine boreal forest and wetlands will be lost to development; no reclamation certificates have been issued to date;
By 2012, the tar sands will consume enough natural gas to heat every home in Canada each day;
Up to 5 barrels of water are needed to produce 1 barrel of oil from the tar sands; with much ending up in toxic tailings ponds;
Raw bitumen is being exported along with jobs and benefits;
Alberta inflation is twice the Canadian average;
Albertans, as the resource owners, are not receiving their fair share of royalty revenues while oil companies generate record profits;
Critical infrastructure projects are being delayed and costing taxpayers; and
Government spending is at record levels trying but failing to address the consequences of an irresponsible rate of oil sands development
Regardless of the reason, there is one thing we all agree on - the first step is to stop adding to the problem.
No new approvals on oil sands development!