42 Articles

How Alberta kept Fort McKay First Nation in the dark about a toxic cloud from the oilsands

The Fort McKay First Nation was initially kept in the dark about a toxic cloud from the oilsands that struck their community after companies restarted operations that had been temporarily disrupted by the Fort McMurray wildfires. Internal records show that the incident occurred after industry pressured the provincial regulator to rapidly restart their operations despite risks to public health.
Alberta Energy Minister Margaret McCuaig-Boyd (left) and Premier Rachel Notley tour Enbridge's Line 3 pipeline replacement site at Hardisty, Alta. on Aug. 10, 2017.

Alberta government is ‘cracking down’ on oil sector, energy minister says

In an interview, Energy Minister Marg McCuaig-Boyd declined to comment on the tailings issue. However, she did blame the looming costs of cleaning up the oilpatch on the previous conservative government. She has directed the provincial regulator to tighten its rules in key areas to “keep bad actors off the landscape” and ensure “responsible companies are protected."
Sarnia, refinery, baseball, Global News, chemical plant

'It's a disgrace': One year after Ontario promised change, toxic emissions are still spilling into Sarnia

Toxic releases are still very common, despite provincial government promises to crack down on the problem. Local residents say the alerts and scares are far too common. “They just tell us ... to just shut your doors and your windows and shut off your air conditioning," said one resident who lives near a refinery.

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