A strong oil sands sector drives a strong national economy by attracting capital, creating jobs and supporting public services . ... In 2019, the oil sand industry invested more than $4 billion into the Canadian economy in the form of supplies and services across all provinces (excluding Alberta).
How does tar sand contribute to Canada's economy?
The oil sands comprise 167.2 billion barrels of crude oil – 97 percent of Canada's 172.5 billion barrels of proven oil reserves – and are a vital part of the Canadian economy. ... Continued demand for oil is expected to contribute to ongoing growth in oil sands production for years to come.
What are the effects of oil sands?
Oil sands (e.g., diluted bitumen) can negatively impact the environment and human health . Mining oil sands in Alberta, Canada, has led to degradation of forests and parts of the Athabasca River watershed. Short-term exposure to diluted bitumen can increase the risk of cancer and respiratory and neurological diseases.
How might the oil sands affect indigenous peoples of Canada?
In specific, the oil sands economy has a significant positive economic impact on local indigenous communities. In general, indigenous involvement in oil and gas extraction and pipelines correlates positively with less dependency on government transfers, lower unemployment, and higher incomes.
Why oil sands are important to Canada?
Overview. The responsible development of oil sands is a key driver of Alberta's and Canada's economy. It creates jobs and tax revenue for government which support the social programs and capital infrastructure projects we rely on.
What are the disadvantages of oil sands?
- Enormous GHG emissions. ...
- Relatively low net energy return compared to other sources.
- Large amounts of water required: roughly 3:1.
- Water pollution. ...
- Destructive to major boreal forest.
- Widespread habitat destruction, both on land and water.
- Requires expensive and risky pipelines.
Is Canadian oil dirty?
And yet, Canada's oil is one of the dirtiest in the world . A study published in the prestigious journal Science found that 46 countries produced oil with a lower per barrel carbon footprint than Canada. ... The truth is that exporting more Canadian oil will increase global carbon emissions.
How much of Canada's oil comes from Alberta?
In 2019, Alberta had the highest amount of crude oil production in Canada. In 2019, Alberta leads the provinces in crude oil production with 80.5% of Canada's total production, Saskatchewan produced 10.5%, and Newfoundland and Labrador produced 5.6%.
Where does Canadian tar sand oil go?
Some refining is done within the oil sands region or other Alberta refineries, but most is sent to refineries all over North America via pipeline , rail or marine transport.
What percentage of GDP is oil in Canada?
The production and delivery of oil products, natural gas and electricity in Canada contributes about $170 billion to Canada's $1.8 trillion gross domestic product (GDP), or just under 10% .
Why are oil sands bad?
And it is bad. In fact, oil from tar sands is one of the most destructive, carbon-intensive and toxic fuels on the planet . Producing it releases three times as much greenhouse gas pollution as conventional crude oil does.
What are indigenous peoples?
“peoples in independent countries who are regarded as indigenous on account of their descent from the populations which inhabited the country, or a geographical region to which the country belongs, at the time of conquest or colonisation or the establishment of present state boundaries and who, irrespective of their ...
How does the energy sector impact indigenous populations in Canada?
Indigenous people are overrepresented among the most vulnerable: Based on previous research, Indigenous people overrepresented among the homeless in urban areas. ... Indigenous adults accounted for 29% of admissions to federal custody, while representing approximately 4% of the Canadian adult population (2017/2018).
Why is Alberta's oil sands controversial?
Tar sands extraction emits up to three times more global warming pollution than does producing the same quantity of conventional crude. It also depletes and pollutes freshwater resources and creates giant ponds of toxic waste. Refining the sticky black substance produces piles of petroleum coke, a hazardous by-product.
What are the good things about oil sands?
- Very large supply. Second largest oil field in the world.
- Economically recoverable at today's oil prices.
- Will help keep oil prices relatively low.
- Enormous growth potential. ...
- Big economic driver in Alberta. ...
- Stable source country (a rarity for oil)
- GHG emissions could potentially be minimized through CCS.
What are the advantages of oil sands?
- It provides a localized economic benefit. ...
- It is a secure source of energy. ...
- Environmental changes can be repaired. ...
- Recipients of tar sands experience economic benefits. ...
- Land preservation efforts can occur simultaneously with tar sands operations. ...
- It fits into existing systems.
