Tarmagedon

Andrew Nikiforuk’s statement that Canada has turned into a petro state much like Saudi Arabia is frighteningly fitting. A petro-state is one in which the economy is singularly dependent on the extraction of fossil fuels. Saudi Arabia is a good example of this. Though not entirely reliant, since the tar sands project, Canada has become more dependent on the extraction and exportation of oil for its nations wealth. This has resulted in a government much influenced by the agenda of the tar sands project. In fact, for Canada to move forward with the exploitation of a natural resource its government must down play the environmental impact the tar sands project has. Nikiforuk points out that Stephen Harper has all but denied validity of climate change “like many Saudi Arabia elites”. Nikiforuk's accuracy in his likening Canada to Saudi Arabia is obvious when we consider the facts. Canada is heading in the direction of a country more focused on present day profits more than preservation.


DISCUSSION QUESTION: Do you think that the tar sands project will take a different turn if the federal government in Canada changes next election?