Alberta politicians respond to potential oilsands lawsuit
Posted Jan 31, 2019 7:30 am.
Last Updated Feb 1, 2019 10:41 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
CALGARY (660 NEWS) – The City of Victoria is considering a potential lawsuit against the Alberta oilsands and Calgary’s mayor and our premier aren’t happy about it.
Members of Victoria City Council said that climate change could cost cities and towns millions of dollars a year. In Victoria, they estimated the effects of rising sea levels and extreme weather changes could cost the city over $415,000 a day.
The proposal has already received criticism from city and provincial politicians.
In a statement, Premier Rachel Notley called the lawsuit hypocritical and astounding.
“While Victoria is pumping over 100 million litres of raw sewage into the ocean every day, the hardworking people of our energy sector are reducing emissions, investing in clean technology and powering our great country. We will defend our workers every day, especially against grandstanding lawsuits.”
READ MORE: Alberta easing oilsands production
Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi said he’s not interested in having the “look in your own backyard” debate but rather noted that eduction in the oilsands is key.
“What I am interested in is just helping everyone in Canada understand that we here in Alberta are not just a bunch of F-350 driving cavemen, that we believe strongly in the environment and we believe strongly in the economy and we believe in financial and environmental prosperity for all Canadians.”
Right now there’s no timeline as to when, if ever, the lawsuit will happen. Victoria City Council will present at a gathering of local governments and if endorsed will be brought to the Union of BC Municipalities.
