Federal NDP leader tours Alberta oilsands
Posted May 31, 2012 7:38 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Thomas Mulcair is voicing confidence he can dispel perceptions he is anti-development and anti-western Canada.
Mulcair has stated the booming oilsands have artificially boosted the value of the Loonie, hurting central Canada’s manufacturing industries.
Mulcair will tour the oilsands Thursday and will field questions from the media later in the afternoon at the legislature.
A political scientist at Mount Royal University calls the outcome of Mulcair’s visit crucial to his future political success.
David Taras says Mulcair’s recent attack of the oilsands was slammed by economic commentators across the country, so he needs to express a better understanding of the massive energy play and its importance to the country.
The President of the Alberta Federation of Labour has come to the defense of Mulcair.
Gil McGowan says Albertans should thank him, not vilify him.
McGowan says the leader of the official opposition has ignited a long overdue debate about the pace of development in the oilsands.
Meanwhile, the province has announced the oilsands are now under stricter environmental oversight, with more monitoring sites being established in the area.
