Canada's Federal Election: Where's the Debate Over Energy?

The current Federal election campaign in Canada has been noteworthy for its lack of any discussion about energy security.

1 minute read

January 7, 2006, 11:00 AM PST

By Michael Dudley

One strategy worth debating is pulling Canada out of NAFTA to retain natural gas supplies for Canadian needs, writes Gordon Laxer:

"[Canada] now [has] only 8.7 years of proven supply of natural gas. Conventional oil production is falling. Alberta's tar sands have plenty of oil, but it comes with horrific environmental damage. In an election campaign, Canada's political leaders seem oblivious to our energy security needs.

"...Under NAFTA's proportionality rules, we must continue exporting at least the same proportion of energy to the U.S., even if we face shortages. If Canada conserves energy, as it must, we will export more of our dwindling supplies, so that Americans can maintain their SUV fix. Canada -- Alberta in particular -- is the continent's environmental sacrifice zone."

FULL STORY: Fuel this Debate

Friday, January 6, 2006 in The Globe and Mail

Energy Canada

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