Economic Impacts
Since we launched this website in June 2008, thousands of people have visited the site and voiced their opinions.
For what we’ve heard, go to “What You’re Saying –Environment and Economy”.
For information on what the oil sands industry is doing, go to “What We’re Doing – Environment and Economy”.
The development of the oil sands is one of the largest industrial projects ever undertaken in Canada, and it has enormous economic impacts. Some of these numbers are impressive —240,000 direct and indirect jobs across the country; $18 billion in planned capital investment in 2008 — but what are the bigger issues at stake?
Is the pace of development too fast? Albertans point to everything from soaring housing prices to 20 minute line-ups at Tim Horton’s as evidence of an overheated economy. Can there be such a thing as too many jobs? Are the benefits flowing to enough people? One study says, for example, that 12 percent of the spin-off benefits of oil sands development flow to Ontario. Is that a big number or a small number?
Where should the oil sands value-added activity be located? Oil sands upgraders are technologically sophisticated plants that provide a lot of jobs and economic activity in the regions where they are situated. Each facility is worth billions of dollars. The Alberta government has expressed the intent to promote as much oil sands upgrading in Alberta as possible. On the other hand, these plants are large industrial facilities that use water and release pollutants and greenhouse gases. What makes the most sense? What’s the right balance?
The links below provide a wide range of economic information and perspectives. Tell us what you think.
See the related links below. Please note that these links are intended to provide diverse perspectives. We do not endorse or necessarily agree with the specific views or information presented.
Related Links
- Council of Canadians:
- In the shadow of the oil sands
- Energy Alberta:
- Hydrocarbon Upgrading Task Force
- Report from Strategy West Inc. consultants:
- List of Existing and Proposed Canadian Commercial Oil Sands Projects
- Canada West Foundation:
- Upgrading Alberta – Op-Ed
- CAPP/Canadian Energy Research Institute Report:
- Oil Sands Economic Impacts Across Canada
- U of C Institute of Sustainable Energy, Environment and Economy Report:
- Energy and the Alberta Economy