H2oil (2009) Movie Script
When the war in Iraq began
the price of oil soared,
Oil was discovered in Canada.
Everyone knew it was there.
But it became a part of
the global reserve.
It is considered
as the greatest oil deposit
in the world today.
These are the tar sands.
Digging the bitumen
out of the ground
and converting it into synthetic
crude is a monumental challenge.
It requires huge capital
highly sophisticated technology
and thousands of
skilled workers.
In short, it is a great enterprise
comparable to the construction
pyramids
or the Great Wall
China only bigger.
This is the biggest
unsustainable development
on the planet.
I am very proud to see
a dynamic and growing
economy in Alberta
that benefits all of Canada.
I will not put
that at risk.
I will not put
the oil sands at risk.
I really do feel
hurt in some way
that we are selling
out our land
for industry
and economic growth.
Like I said last night,
economic development,
and economic boom,
is going to be
a great economic disaster,
and the destruction of our land
and our people.
Alberta is located
on one of the largest
recoverable oil fields
in the world
second only to Saudi Arabia.
Stretching over 149 000 km
an area larger than England,
it contains at least 175 billion
barrels of bitumen
found in the boreal forest,
Slough and rivers.
To access
this sandy tar-like substance
the land which the industry calls
overburden
is removed and stored
to be retrieved later.
Cranes and 400 ton trucks
transport the bitumen
to the extraction plants
where in order to separate
the sand from the bitumen
It is mixed with large amounts of
fresh water heated by natural gas.
It is then spun
with a chemical solvent
to remove clay
and minerals,
leaving the wastewater
to be dumped
into enormous toxic
settling ponds.
The bitumen is then sent
into pipelines
to be processed into crude oil
throughout North America.
Fort Chip is unique
in politics
because of the two First
Nations and Mtis group
that are here in Fort Chip.
Our ancestors have lived here
for thousands of years.
We consider this region
as our homeland.
And Fort Chipewyan
is also our homeland.
The community of Fort Chip
receives all the pollution
that is thrown into the river.
The government will say: "Ah!
We have consultedwith you! "
No, you never did.
Industry consulted with us.
It is a third party.
We're talking about land,
water, air. Everything.
Let's be very clear.
Alberta will not close the door
to future investments.
We want to create a
environment and economy
that are virbant
and that we can leave
to our children and our grandchildren.
The bitumen buried
in the boreal forest of Alberta
is being mined from surface.
To access the bitumen,
whole forests are cut down
and the top soil is scraped away,
transforming a once lush region
into a vast moonscape.
At some point,
something will go wrong
and people will
have to move away from here
for their own good.
Compensation.
Is that going to help?
For what?
For whom?
Right now as we speak,
my brother
has cancer, colon cancer.
So...
What is making people
Fort Chipewyan sick?
The people there believe they know:
Pollution from the oil sands.
According to a study by a
oil companies
there could be 400
times more arsenic
than the legal limit
in moose meat,
which causes cancer.
People suspected something
was wrong
because of the number of
relatives dying of cancer.
I do not know when we wil get the results
but I hope it will be soon.
If my mother has to undergo chemo
and radiotherapy,
I'm staying at home, working 8 Hours,
I'm going to Edmonton with her.
My cancer did bother
me for a long time.
I thought, my God,
I have cancer!
Shit, Cancer! I was just 17.
I am a good person.
I did not deserve to have
cancer is 17 years old,
be told that I can not have children.
You know?
I can not say
it's because of the water or air
or vegetables that grow here.
My mother has a vegetable garden
behind the house.
I can not say
it's because of that,
but something tells me that yes,
it is.
It began to dawn on me
that something was wrong.
But we are on the ground here
and sometimes
you can't the wood for the trees.
So we're going
to get cases of
colon cancer,
prostate, lung.
Then we had some...
blood
related issues in
the form of leukemia.
Cholangiocarcinoma,
There were three cases in 1200.
According to statistics,
it should be 1 in 100 000.
When we realize
what the community
is exposed to
from the south and east of here
and there is a direct correlation
between these chemicals
and the types of
cancers that exist here.
My gut feeling says,
there has to be a link
between industry
and what is happening here.
Since the invasion of Iraq,
or the price of oil
soared,
the leading provider
Oil U.S.
is not Saudi Arabia,
or Mexico.
This is Canada.
It is clear that the war in Iraq
creates winners and losers.
If there had not been
a war in Iraq
there would not have been
a massive boom.in Alberta.
by the oil sands industry
is released into huge
artificial lagoons.
One of these ponds
covers 16 km square.
According to scientists,
a significant breach
may cause
ecological disaster
than the oil spill of the Exxon Valdez.
Settling ponds
contain a mixture
of contaminated water
by processing bitumen.
It may well contain
of aromatic hydrocarbons,
heavy metals such as arsenic,
mercury,
cadmium, zinc, iron,
naphthenic acids, etc..
There is an incredible variety
of organic compounds
present in the bitumen,
that eventually gets
into the settling ponds
and into the air.
Every tailings pond
in the sand reagion leaks.
Every tank leaks
every day, 24 hours a day.
The best studied tailings pond
is the Tar Island - Pond 1
and that is situated
at the worst place
on the banks of the river,
It leaks 67 liters of
toxic tailing water per second.
Draining 67 liters
into the river every second.
That is only one tailings pond
and thats is one of the less toxic.
In the middle 80's,
There was an environmental assessment
of the seepage management of that dam
And the Great Canadian Oil Sands,
Suncor, was obliged
to collect all the fluids
escaping from the drains
and put it back in the ponds.
However,
there are still some leaks
flowing into the river.
Only tens of
liter per second,
but it is closely monitored
to determine the impact
on fish
and small invertebrates.
No impact was detected.
But I think it
is the biggest problem
connected to the seepage
in the river today.
There were a couple here
who died last winter..
The wife died of cancer,
and the man didnt want to live.
He died in February
and she died in October.
We came here on the rocks.
We took a hook
and a long pole,
and we caught
what we call link cod.
There was a lot.
We were fishing 50 to 100 per night.
We have already done enough
harm nature.
Leave her alone...
It's hard for me to accept
there are problems
with fish.
This one has a large
cyst on the side.
You are doing this
by putting stuff in the river.
They must provide us with an address
where we can send you samples
to show you the results of
your actions on the fish.
How can you
send them the fish?
I called and talked
with some Dan.
I said, "How am I supposed
to send it?"
He said,
Preserve it in formaldehyde.
I don't have anything like that.
In my opinion,
government of
Alberta has no clue
as to the state of the
Athabasca River.
They continue to give
permits for water licence,
for projects that requires
to use millions
of cubic meters
of water per project.
The people in the community
believe there is clearly
a problem with water.
Many of our people
dying of rare cancers
according to our doctor,
should not exist here
There are so many
for such a small community.
Naturally, local authorities
were forced
to investigate,
independent of those
Government and Industry
because all their studies
say that everything is fine here.
But when they bury
That's incredible.
We must do something.
I'm afraid
that the meeting tonight
will confirm our fears.
Because many people
who died of cancer
are people who eat
traditional food regularly.
It's very frustrating.
This meeting was
organised for you,
members of the community.
I'm glad
that you came.
Let me introduce you
Dr. Kevin Timoney.
He will take the floor.
Thank you.
Then, as Donna said,
some people in the community
concerned about the quality
of the water and sediment
and the presence of contaminants
in the environment
and that this may be related
disease in the community.
A quick overview of
what found..
In the water
the folling things sometimes
a cause for concern
in terms of their high levels:
arsenic, aluminum,
chromium, cobalt, copper, iron.
These are all heavy metals.
Lead, phosphorus,
selenium, titanium, phenol.
In sediments, the things of
most concern are arsenic,
cadmium,
PAHs and resin acids.
The level of mercury
found in fish
is very worrying for
human consumption.
Overall,
three contaminants
the are most disturbing
are arsenic, PAHs
and mercury.
Yes, Jackson?
You say that the fish
have a lot of mercury
and all sorts of diseases,
but have you checked the rats
musk and the beavers?
They also live in water.
Don't they have these things too?
It's a good question
and I wish I had
more information on that.
Many trappers have told me
they are finding musk
rats with bloody noses.
They also said
that the burrows smell of oil.
I think that needs to be
studied.
There is much controversy
surrounding the presence of arsenic
in water and animals.
A few years ago,
Suncor completed a study that revealed
that if you eat the moose,
fish and berries,
there will be between 312 and 453
additional cancer cases
per 100 000 inhabitants.
When those results
were released
Minister of Health
and Wellness of Alberta
commissioned a second
study ehich concluded
that the first study
was unreliable,
and that you did not
need to worry
and the actual arsenic level
was much lower.
In short, they concluded that the cases
additional cancer
would range from 17 to
But both studies conclude
the number of cancer cases
which is 1 in 100,000.
are considered acceptable.
I then reviewed the report
which claimed that arsenic
level was no problem.
I discovered
that the report
was based on
questionable statistical methods
and assumptions.
They underestimated the levl
of arsenic in water,
there were errors
in their data.
They underestimated
the amount of fish
people eat in
Fort Chipewyan.
I would conclude
that since the water and sediment
in your area have a
high arsenic content,
and there is a link
evident between arsenic
and diseases affecting
your community.
This is a red flag item
that really needs
to be studied in depth.
I am not sure I'd
use the word "cover-up"
but it is surely
something like that.
I would say that the government
and industry have data
which indicate that there is a problem
and that they are not telling
you about it.
Is that a cover-up?
I suppose you could say that.
Does your department
investigate all the deformities
in the fish and those kinds
of things that
the native of FortChipewyan
are talking about?
No,
not directly.
What we're doing is
continuing our responsibility
to monitor water quality.
Occasional deformities
which were found
are not restricted to
the Athabasca River.
Dr. Timoney used Official's
data in his report
but the government
Alberta maintains
the oil sands development does not
cause any serious problem.
But Dr. Timoney, like many others,
remains concerned about the
growing presence of chemicals
called policyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons or PAHs.
It is well established
that PAHs cause cancer
and other
of vascular disorders,
kidney problems,
liver and skin damage.
They have an interesting
synergetic effect with arsenic.
We know that arsenic is
a powerful carcinogen
and is associated with certain types
cancer seen in Fort Chipewyan.
The combination of arsenic
and PAHs may increase
carcinogenic effects
And it is precisely
what is found in water,
in the sediment of
the river and Delta.
Some independent reports,
there is a presence
of arsenic and PAHs.
Should we then make
more studies on the subject?
When people have concerns
in relation to their health
whether real or not,
we must take that into account.
So we're going to continue
the studies and monitoring
just to reassure them.
But there is no spill
of wastewater into the Athabasca
our monitiring information
tells us
there is no additional contaminants
They talk about arsenic,
but the levels were still
within the guidelines.
They talk about mercury.
It is at natural levels.
The oil sands outcrop
into the river naturally.
If you take a boatride in summer
you will see seepage
on the river bank.
It is obvious that water
downlstream from the oil sands
will carry some PAHs
that may not be found
in other rivers
because there isn'tany
hydrocarbons entering.
But that's natural.
Some of the under the table things
that have happened with the
response to
Dr. Timoney's report.
reveals the same thing:
The level of mercury
always been high there.
This is not really
the name of the game.
Sure, they probably were high
but are they higher since
we've been mining?
His report says, he found an
increase in PAH over time.
They claim that it is
all shifting bottom sediment.
,
It's a coincidence.
It's happened at four sites.
To me that is a coincidence in the same way
like flipping "heads" on
a coin 4 times.
It's wonderful to see so
many from Ontario
Quebec, Manitoba,
from the East and Alberta.
We are at the point where
the sector is about to grow up.
Over the 25 years prior to 1990,
Oil Sands
were only speculations,
and an opportunity to show
entrepreneurship
that we are proud about.
A money pit.
It was small, dirty, and very expensive.
For me,
it was like a newborn.
The baby had a big name:
Great Canadian Oil Sands,
which it had to grow into.
Then came a sibling
called Syncrude.
Millionaire family
was now complete.
Owners and regulators
are starting to realise
the problem with the children,
that they have their own ideas.
They do not always
act as you hoped.
They do some
things better than us
and some things
need to change.
Has our need for oil
become greater
than we need water?
Fresh water is scarce.
We believe it is unlimited
but less than 0.5% of the world's water
is fresh water.
The oil sands mining operations
requires upto 4 barrels of fresh water
to produce a barrel of oil.
This water comes
from the Athabasca River
which is fed from glaciers
in the Rockie mountains.
The Industry not only
sucks up large amount of water
but will produce more
carbon emissions
than all the cars in Canada
combined.
The oil produced by the industry
contributes to a cycle of consumption
that ascelerates climate change.
destroying the glaciers
that feed this delicate cycle.
The water has a spicy taste.
It is different.
My family business
has been around 10 years.
We are oneof three
spring water companies
which has a natural source.
Bottling is going from
For to go and discuss it.
that we should limit
the number of bottles,
is ridiculous when you see the
amount used by the oil companies.
They use so much fresh water.
The flow of all
rivers has decreased
Everyone has noticed.
Basically, this is it.
the oil platform
next to our spring.
Nobody told us about it.
We are very concerned
We haven't seen any data.
Nobody knows who is responsible
for protecting the water.
Nobody wants to take this on.
And AEUB is hanging up on me..
There's no overflow at all.
The power system
may be broken.
I do not know.
The level is low.
Shit!
There is nothing in there.
You know why there is no water?
It's because they take everything
up there for their drilling.
That's why!
They're taling all the water of aquifers.
That's where it's going, the water.
There has never been this little ever.
There is no water there.
Oh, my God!
Closes it.
We should go to
the platform and ask them
if they're using fresh water
from this region for drilling.
The flow goes down in winter
but not like that.
Let's go then.
It was not like this before
that the platform was installed.
Let's go.
If they do nothing,
Athabasca River will dry up.
I can not imagine that,
water comes from glaciers.
Glaciers are melting
so fast now.
There's one that has
completely disappeared.
When I was 12,
it was huge.
It 's melted down
that much.
I do not know.
The argument against the reduction
CO2 emissions
is that it has a
negative impact on the economy.
This is why George W.
Bush gave for withdrawing from Kyoto.
Similarly, the Prime Minister
Stephen Harper says
any action against climate change
would have to happen
without harming a
the Canadian economy.
Canada has spent 6 billion
in programs to reduce CO2
but has not met its
targets in 15 years.
That's because producing a barrel
of oil from the oil sands
emits three times more
greenhouse gas emissions
than a barrel of conventional oil.
Near the oil sands is
the Athabasca Glacier,
part of the Columbia
ice fields.
one of the largest reserves
freshwater in the world.
Because of global warming,
the glacier has dropped
by one and a half kilometres.
and lost half its volume.
We are entering very clearly
into a period
climate change
with major impacts on our
supply of fresh water,
water flowing from glaciers
and mountains.
Once they have melted,
This will be the end.
This land seems lonely.
Looking at the shoreI can
see how much water's gone.
I would say that the level has
declined by about three meters.
Lile, there,
was completely surrounded by water.
Now it's all land.
When I come here,
my heart cries.
All we were
given is destroyed,
because of one thing - oil.
Why?
We are in the largest
freshwater delta in the world.
And now, It is drying up.
- What are you doing?
- Just driving.
- This guy is really active.
- Hopefully.
- I think so.
I'll take off my glasses
a sign of respect.
See you later.
Many peopleof our
community believe
that chiefs are selling our interests.
They feel discouraged.
A lot of people
want change
and they believe
that I can do that.
I will not bend over to
cater to industry
because my people are in danger,
our way of life is in danger.
We now counting the votes
for Fort Chipewyan.
Are you ready?
A vote for Allan Adam.
Archie Cyprien.
Allan Adam.
Allan Adam.
Promising to fight the industry,
Chief Allan Adam is elected.
Three to one!
Right on! We did it.
The industry is working hard
to limit environmental impact.
We must also think
about economic benefits
and the socio-economic
benefits from the oil sands.
I think everyone is
of the answer being
that the impacts are so severe
that everything will
have to stop.
In this case, I do not know if the industry
and the government
are ready to stop.
I do not know if Canada
is ready to stop everything.
While the Chief Allan Adam
promises to fight the industry,
Dr. O'Connor leads
his own struggle.
After expressing his concerns
about high rates of diseases,
Health Canada has filed an
official complaint against him,
accusing him of unduly
panicking the population.
I was accused of
professional misconduct,
to have blocked access
medical records,
of unduly panickingthe community
and causing mistrust here.
When I arrived here,
I had to earn their trust
and since the beginning of this story
Ive been told again and again,
We asked for studies,
that were never made.
So I arrived
in a community
who did not trust
the government.
The people in the community
are not alarmed,
they are angry
because of these problems
and that they haven't been
looked at.
The number of people
with these these ilnesses
is much higher
than they have compiled.
Yet I studied each case,
I spoke with the nurse
who has been here 20 years.
I talked to their
realatives and my patients.
So I have all the necessary information
and if they need to verify
they can just come here to spend
half a day with me.
They'll see.
What bothers me a lot,
is that this doctor
only doing his job.
When he says that there is a
disproportionate rates
rare cancers in Fort Chipewyan,
Health Canada
in its wisdom,
filed a complaint
against a physician
that is just doing his job.
Is it because we
are indigenous
Health Canada,
Alberta Health, Industry,
anyone who could
make a difference
and find a resolution to
Dr. O'Connor claims
as apposed to lodging
a complaint against him.
A week after my election,
I suspended all
negotiating with industry.
It's for the good of the community.
We need to know where
we're going.
Our health is very important.
We must regain control
and say
what they are doing is wrong.
They are killing us and are trying
to silence Dr. O'Connor.
But in our view, he is a hero.
And that the government
can not take it away.
I do not know if
going to that rig
It looks like the equipment.
There is a platform
Drilling on top of us.
They bore into the aquifers.
It concerns me greatly.
The level of our water is very low.
I know they use water
groundwater for their operations.
So I want to understand
the scientific process
whether their activities
affect our source.
Good morning. Sorry
I did not wake you up.
I wonder...
Everything I do,
is drill a hole...
and you can turn off
or from your camera.
... I can shoot a little?
- No.
Let us go. They monitor.
I tried to remain neutral
hoping it would
information, but no, nothing.
I asked two simple questions:
One, do I see a
higher number of diseases?
Two, how to explain it?
Is it genetics, lifestyle,
a simple bad luck?
Or is it an environmental effect?
In recent years,
we called for an investigation
Health in Fort Chip
but I recently discovered
we made this request
for years in vain.
I do not understand why.
Today, we risk a
genocide Fort Chipewyan
the name of profit and prosperity
Alberta, Canada.
This should not happen
today
Fort Chipewyan.
This should not happen in Alberta
Canada, a G8 country.
The sector is large,
a settling pond
of several square kilometers
and Monday, hundreds
birds encountered here.
Of the 500
birds that landed
on this pool of toxic Syncrude
we recovered only a few.
There seems to see little hope
save the ducks.
A bird covered
oil flowing immediately.
This incident occurred
when Alberta
launches campaign
of $ 25 million
for the oil sands.
Business Without Borders
The government and all
affected groups
pride in management
oil sands
and satisfactory image
we have created.
The world sees us
as a model.
We have made
what was predicted in 1890
by an officer who visited
the Athabasca
and I quote:
"When the time of the sands
tar ring,
"It will be one of the wonders
Northern Development. Thank you. "
Heather Kennedy made
a speech last night.
I know very well
this woman at Suncor.
And senior advisor
She now works
for the government,
service approvals.
What conclusion do you draw?
It is not only unusual,
is unacceptable.
This person is a part
executive at Suncor
and as Assistant Deputy Minister
Development Manager
around Fort McMurray,
Suncor and still pays a salary.
Conflict of interest
is so obvious
you can not hide it.
First Nations have found
it was important that Suncor
come into the community
to give us problems,
especially in terms
Spills
the Athabasca River.
About these
types of spills,
How about some
cause cancer?
Some have
carcinogenic contaminants?
Carcinogenic PAHs?
It is a matter of dosage
and exposure time.
It also depends on the people,
some are more prone
cancer than others.
- Well, yes.
- They can help,
but I can not say
it's absolutely the case.
There are many factors involved
So why
do you continue to do that?
We lost
many people here.
We bury our dead without stops.
And the government gives
still operating license.
You should be ashamed of yourself.
We work
instructions of the Government
and we are doing the impossible
to do better than these instructions.
Christine,
there are many angry people here
and you wonder why?
Nobody wants to drink the water
or eat fish or game.
When 500 ducks died,
Premiers
Alberta and Canadian
have requested a full investigation.
We, all we ask,
is a preliminary study of health
and no one reacts.
Nobody comes here to listen
and try to find
solutions to the situation
desperate as we live.
Neither Suncor or Syncrude
neither the Government of Alberta
nor the federal government.
It's very hard to hear
what you're saying.
You do not believe us.
You do not believe
what the government says,
you do not believe us
when we tell you
that water quality is good.
I have a question.
Why did you bring
bottled water?
This confirms
there is a problem with water.
And another question:
Will you live here? Would you eat
of fish have tumors?
Sometimes we speak
the same language.
And that's what I see here
tonight.
We do not speak the same language
and we do not understand.
How can we
initiate discussion
for us to understand
what happens
and what causes such anger
and such a fear in you?
Because we
do not want that either.
As head, I can tell you
that this could
cause a real disaster
in the judicial system.
I recommend
to work hand in hand
with First
nations in the region.
When we ring the alarm
because there are problems,
it's not for lack of attention,
because our community is
endangered
and we will not tolerate
it longer.
Oil is like
a wild animal.
Whoever finds
becomes the owner.
So said John Paul Getty,
the industrialist who founded Getty Oil.
In Canada,
His words are still true.
You do not have
oil at least to hold shares
Exxon Mobil
Suncor, Petro-Canada
or any other big
private company that controls
oil reserves of Canada.
We do not ask
compensation,
We want the area to be protected.
It is the source that feeds
many rivers here.
I think we will call
the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
You can not...
It has to be the Ministry
Environment?
To cease operations until
what is statistics?
Okay. Thank you. Bye-Bye.
She hung up immediately
she understood.
If it is registered,
I have to ask
my supervisor to come.
We will discuss and remember.
It was the person who...
Ministry of the Environment?
No, the AEUB.
You see?
We must get out of the province,
that's what I always said.
Because people here do nothing
and we are going in circles.
As a leader,
it breaks my heart to see
our land in danger.
As people
First Nations
we must show
and let the world know
what is happening in our region.
Because if people
do not know,
will continue
to apply oil
that comes from oil sands.
For the first time
I come to Ottawa.
I am sometimes nervous
when I speak in public,
but if you want to do
the message,
you must speak to the public.
We are in Ottawa
to ask for help
Federal Government
must protect the First
Nations across Canada.
The Government of Alberta
does not protect us.
He did not intend to protect
our environment
and resolve problems
Health of Fort Chipewyan.
We believe that the government
Alberta and industry
do not follow any
guidelines in place.
Nowhere in the world
do we want to destroy a region
the size of Florida.
Environmental advocacy group
Nowhere do we find the
Toxic ponds so enormous
they are visible from space.
This study did not receive
Stelmach's attention
which ruled out.
The study was made by Defence
Toronto Environmental.
They are environmentalists
who do not know the facts.
He changed his tune
when he met
one of these environmental
Fort Chipewyan
with a copy of the report
during the election campaign.
Here is the report
Environmental Defense.
Yes, I have heard a lot about.
The government does
not to our requests,
including those concerning
cancer at home.
Stelmach said he is
in its duty to protect
prosperity of Alberta and that
will travel to Fort Chipewyan
after the elections,
if it has the support of locals.
The extraction of crude oil
oil sands is very energy intensive.
People would
shocked if they knew
how much oil the United States
import into Canada.
Obama is in Canada
for his first presidential trip.
Obama and Harper will discuss
trade, energy and environment.
Groups
environmental press
Obama to reduce
dependence of the United States
oil sands
sands of Alberta, Canada.
What country
the United States imports they
most of their oil?
If you answered Saudi
Arabia, you are mistaken.
This is Canada.
We should perhaps
tone down
when we renegotiate NAFTA.
Oil Sands
operate at breakneck speed,
supported by corporate interests
for the integration of economies
and resources in North America.
The proportionality clause
NAFTA provides
a percentage
energy resources
continues to flow south.
This means increasing the export
a limited resource.
The oil sands are becoming
the largest project
industrial history.
With production
that there are five-fold,
networks of oil sands
extend across the continent.
With a new agreement called
Partnership
security and prosperity
NAFTA will
Energy Security
United States
but not that of Canada.
Canada remains
one of the few industrialized countries
to have kept
no power for himself.
These agreements may also
apply to the water.
The Prime Minister said that Canada
is an energy superpower.
Voice of Gordon Laxer,
Political Economy, U. Alberta
But a superpower should exercise
its influence independently.
What kind of superpower
let foreign companies
dominate its resources?
Canada sells its greatest
resource only 25 cents a barrel,
to multinationals like Exxon?
He gives up the right
to set its own prices,
to limit exports
to reduce its CO2 emissions.
What kind of superpower
ensures safety
energy of its neighbors
when she did not even plan
to meet the needs
Canadians?
Enbridge:
Kinder Morgan:
TransCanada: 600,000 barrels
per day to Illinois and Oklahoma
We have become a
energy supplier
submitted to the United States.
This is a result of NAFTA
and clause
proportionality of NAFTA.
Canadians must ask themselves
serious questions
the consequences.
Suppose that we faced
a severe shortage
natural gas in the country.
What would happen if
we try to keep
NAFTA Meeting, 2005
for our purposes a
part of the natural gas
part of exports
to the United States?
We would then
it is not possible.
Treaties are signed
between two nations.
My first nation
a government in itself,
on our ancestral lands.
When governments
Alberta and Canada
breaking the promise they
Mount made in this treaty
then, the treaty no longer applies.
I ask them to resume
their paper towel
and I'll take my country.
The story - before the white man
Restoration site
Observatory and buffalo
You see the earth was dug
to extract the oil sands
and they replant the trees there.
The land is restored.
So now, bison
can live, life is returning.
I see.
That's why the buffalo are here.
Yes, when they dig,
they must return the land
in the same condition it was.
This is the agreement they have
concluded with the natives.
The land can be restored.
Before the operation,
quality was poor,
because originally it contained
many hydrocarbons.
This limited land use.
Over the years,
Oil content
in the soil will be extracted.
They are right when they say that
the earth will be better than before
because oil is a
and they remove the contaminant.
So by removing the oil, it relieves
the region of a contaminant?
- Right.
- Explain to me.
The act of withdrawing from 8 to 12%
bitumen found in the sand
improves the quality of the land
because the bitumen is mixed with sand.
But if you dig 90 meters
in the soil to remove the trees,
shaving entire forests.
Do you consider this
as an improvement
the environment?
Not necessarily.
It depends on the point of view.
Remove trees is not
necessarily an improvement,
but is it that trees can
back in 50 or 60 years?
I think so.
It must be recognized
they have brought together experts
international told them,
These wetlands have
thousands of years to form.
We can not
regenerate quickly.
They know they
can not recover
these lands to their original state.
Despite this, watching TV
and there is all the propaganda.
They do not want
that the public is aware of that.
How is it
the destruction of an aquifer
does not fall under the jurisdiction
the Privacy Act
the environment?
Aaron spoke to a representative of the Ministry
of Alberta Environment.
It is a question of use
and water contamination.
We have more water
in the mountains
if these guys continue what they do.
What will we drink?
What do your kids drink?
They ask me:
"Do you drive a car?"
Yes, of course. "Do you drink water?"
It is said that the operation
sands of Athabasca
will exhaust all
water resources,
if the oil and gas is not stopped,
and you tell me that your department
can do nothing less than a
to have evidence?
There have never been proven!
What am I supposed to do?
You too. Goodbye.
He says he manages
criminal cases.
It was the pits.
- The Ministry of the Environment?
- From Alberta, yes.
Because of agreements
international trade
it is difficult for
citizens to oppose
to resource extraction
at national level.
Representatives from Fort Chip
are turning to international markets.
We will make a presentation
Oil Sands.
This is a special session
dedicated to the delegation
Fort Chipewyan on the subject.
Are you nervous?
- No.
- Liar.
Are you kidding!
Mikisew Cree
Denes and the Athabasca
addressed to the Permanent Forum
on Indigenous Issues
to request a moratorium
on any new approval
the oil sands.
When I returned from Canada,
from their ancestral lands,
I was completely
dismayed by what I saw.
Aboriginal Coalition
Environment
I travel around the world,
in indigenous territories
of developing countries
or there are disasters
related to mining.
But I went to the sands
sands and sites there.
This is the situation
the worst I've seen.
A developed country
such as Canada,
boasting its policy
on Human Rights,
allow such things!
Mordor is alive and thriving
in northern Canada.
Desolation, destruction,
water contamination.
These are very serious problems.
What happens here is the recipe
for destruction
Total country.
The thirst for oil
thirst for energy,
and greed of shareholders.
There is a big demand
crack in the street
then there is always a supplier.
There is a big demand for oil
while Alberta will continue
to provide it as there will be.
If it takes 200 or 300 years
to remove it completely,
they will do.
What next?
We create a vicious circle
contamination
and depletion of water.
All that to extract
oil from the ground.
And it's not a chance.
It is created and run by technology.
We want to maintain a
relatively easy way of life.
We want to continue
the American dream.
And we believe that
technology will allow us to find
solutions to problems
real that lie ahead.
The pressure on oil reserves,
on climate and on our resources
be relieved by a
technological solution.
There will be one. We will find it.
The new technician
that captures and stores carbon,
is the subject of this statement.
When it is fully
marketed,
it will collect
CO2 emissions
due to the operation
oil sands
and central
thermal coal
and store them underground.
Americans
and Canadians say
the oil sands
are dirty oil
because extraction methods.
Would you say it
dirty oil?
We know that the oil sands
create a big impact on CO2.
I think the United States
and Canada can work together
for carbon capture
and greenhouse gas emissions
before they are
released into the atmosphere.
And it will be good for everyone.
Because if we do not
we will reach a ceiling
limiting development
our economy
and quality of life
we hold dear.
I think technology
solve this problem.
It is assumed
these natural resources are there.
That even if they are not
renewable in some cases
technology will
to our rescue.
But one day we will
face the big question:
do we
continue to lead
a lifestyle that is unsustainable?
We have become
highly dependent on oil,
at all levels,
and that's the problem.
With the oil sands
we touch the bottom.
Faced with the scarcity of fresh water
and changes
climate undeniable
our dependence on oil
has never been more evident.
The only real solution
is to change our way
life unbearable.
Finally, Dr.
O'Connor has been silenced
for about a year.
When his case was submitted
the College of Physicians
and Surgeons,
He was cleared of all
the charges, except one.
He is still accused of
unduly panicked population.
Come.
I am very anxious that the situation
back to normal.
Let's focus on that.
And I do not know if it
return to normal.
I received a letter.
The College of Physicians
has yet written to the lawyer.
Doctors at Health Canada
analyzed the situation
and we still wonder
to summarize the facts.
I have nothing new to say
and I stand by everything I said.
In hindsight, I must say
it was extremely stressful
and it is not finished.
Ah! Look at that!
- It's much better.
- But it is still low.
Let's see what we have here.
It was full when my parents
found that source.
You feel a little better
because they have canceled plans
pipeline and drilling.
For now. We do not know
not what that means.
For the future, I do not know.
I would like to
something in place
before operations resume.
Now
is the calm before the storm.
Just as the price of oil
increases and they will come back.
If there is something interesting here
they'll take it.
That's the problem.
I do not know if I
want to export water.
It is no longer a business issue.
I changed my mind.
Do I want to produce
million plastic bottles?
It's part of our problem.
This is even more
unnecessary waste.
So now
I think more to the conservation
water than profits.
What they do is wrong.
And I'm not afraid
to express my concerns
and even to protest.
It is not just
First Nations,
but all of Canada.
And I do not think
should support the war
rampant
in the world with our oil
which is operating here,
in the Athabasca region.
I am convinced.
I know why I
leading this battle.
It is for this reason.
It is not only
to preserve the nature,
but to protect my people.
Because if everything disappears,
it is almost certain
that we will disappear as well.
A study of Health
Canada now admits
the number of cancer Fort
Chipewyan was higher than expected.
In 2009, the First Nation
The Athabasca Chipewyan
filed suit against
the Government of Canada.
the price of oil soared,
Oil was discovered in Canada.
Everyone knew it was there.
But it became a part of
the global reserve.
It is considered
as the greatest oil deposit
in the world today.
These are the tar sands.
Digging the bitumen
out of the ground
and converting it into synthetic
crude is a monumental challenge.
It requires huge capital
highly sophisticated technology
and thousands of
skilled workers.
In short, it is a great enterprise
comparable to the construction
pyramids
or the Great Wall
China only bigger.
This is the biggest
unsustainable development
on the planet.
I am very proud to see
a dynamic and growing
economy in Alberta
that benefits all of Canada.
I will not put
that at risk.
I will not put
the oil sands at risk.
I really do feel
hurt in some way
that we are selling
out our land
for industry
and economic growth.
Like I said last night,
economic development,
and economic boom,
is going to be
a great economic disaster,
and the destruction of our land
and our people.
Alberta is located
on one of the largest
recoverable oil fields
in the world
second only to Saudi Arabia.
Stretching over 149 000 km
an area larger than England,
it contains at least 175 billion
barrels of bitumen
found in the boreal forest,
Slough and rivers.
To access
this sandy tar-like substance
the land which the industry calls
overburden
is removed and stored
to be retrieved later.
Cranes and 400 ton trucks
transport the bitumen
to the extraction plants
where in order to separate
the sand from the bitumen
It is mixed with large amounts of
fresh water heated by natural gas.
It is then spun
with a chemical solvent
to remove clay
and minerals,
leaving the wastewater
to be dumped
into enormous toxic
settling ponds.
The bitumen is then sent
into pipelines
to be processed into crude oil
throughout North America.
Fort Chip is unique
in politics
because of the two First
Nations and Mtis group
that are here in Fort Chip.
Our ancestors have lived here
for thousands of years.
We consider this region
as our homeland.
And Fort Chipewyan
is also our homeland.
The community of Fort Chip
receives all the pollution
that is thrown into the river.
The government will say: "Ah!
We have consultedwith you! "
No, you never did.
Industry consulted with us.
It is a third party.
We're talking about land,
water, air. Everything.
Let's be very clear.
Alberta will not close the door
to future investments.
We want to create a
environment and economy
that are virbant
and that we can leave
to our children and our grandchildren.
The bitumen buried
in the boreal forest of Alberta
is being mined from surface.
To access the bitumen,
whole forests are cut down
and the top soil is scraped away,
transforming a once lush region
into a vast moonscape.
At some point,
something will go wrong
and people will
have to move away from here
for their own good.
Compensation.
Is that going to help?
For what?
For whom?
Right now as we speak,
my brother
has cancer, colon cancer.
So...
What is making people
Fort Chipewyan sick?
The people there believe they know:
Pollution from the oil sands.
According to a study by a
oil companies
there could be 400
times more arsenic
than the legal limit
in moose meat,
which causes cancer.
People suspected something
was wrong
because of the number of
relatives dying of cancer.
I do not know when we wil get the results
but I hope it will be soon.
If my mother has to undergo chemo
and radiotherapy,
I'm staying at home, working 8 Hours,
I'm going to Edmonton with her.
My cancer did bother
me for a long time.
I thought, my God,
I have cancer!
Shit, Cancer! I was just 17.
I am a good person.
I did not deserve to have
cancer is 17 years old,
be told that I can not have children.
You know?
I can not say
it's because of the water or air
or vegetables that grow here.
My mother has a vegetable garden
behind the house.
I can not say
it's because of that,
but something tells me that yes,
it is.
It began to dawn on me
that something was wrong.
But we are on the ground here
and sometimes
you can't the wood for the trees.
So we're going
to get cases of
colon cancer,
prostate, lung.
Then we had some...
blood
related issues in
the form of leukemia.
Cholangiocarcinoma,
There were three cases in 1200.
According to statistics,
it should be 1 in 100 000.
When we realize
what the community
is exposed to
from the south and east of here
and there is a direct correlation
between these chemicals
and the types of
cancers that exist here.
My gut feeling says,
there has to be a link
between industry
and what is happening here.
Since the invasion of Iraq,
or the price of oil
soared,
the leading provider
Oil U.S.
is not Saudi Arabia,
or Mexico.
This is Canada.
It is clear that the war in Iraq
creates winners and losers.
If there had not been
a war in Iraq
there would not have been
a massive boom.in Alberta.
by the oil sands industry
is released into huge
artificial lagoons.
One of these ponds
covers 16 km square.
According to scientists,
a significant breach
may cause
ecological disaster
than the oil spill of the Exxon Valdez.
Settling ponds
contain a mixture
of contaminated water
by processing bitumen.
It may well contain
of aromatic hydrocarbons,
heavy metals such as arsenic,
mercury,
cadmium, zinc, iron,
naphthenic acids, etc..
There is an incredible variety
of organic compounds
present in the bitumen,
that eventually gets
into the settling ponds
and into the air.
Every tailings pond
in the sand reagion leaks.
Every tank leaks
every day, 24 hours a day.
The best studied tailings pond
is the Tar Island - Pond 1
and that is situated
at the worst place
on the banks of the river,
It leaks 67 liters of
toxic tailing water per second.
Draining 67 liters
into the river every second.
That is only one tailings pond
and thats is one of the less toxic.
In the middle 80's,
There was an environmental assessment
of the seepage management of that dam
And the Great Canadian Oil Sands,
Suncor, was obliged
to collect all the fluids
escaping from the drains
and put it back in the ponds.
However,
there are still some leaks
flowing into the river.
Only tens of
liter per second,
but it is closely monitored
to determine the impact
on fish
and small invertebrates.
No impact was detected.
But I think it
is the biggest problem
connected to the seepage
in the river today.
There were a couple here
who died last winter..
The wife died of cancer,
and the man didnt want to live.
He died in February
and she died in October.
We came here on the rocks.
We took a hook
and a long pole,
and we caught
what we call link cod.
There was a lot.
We were fishing 50 to 100 per night.
We have already done enough
harm nature.
Leave her alone...
It's hard for me to accept
there are problems
with fish.
This one has a large
cyst on the side.
You are doing this
by putting stuff in the river.
They must provide us with an address
where we can send you samples
to show you the results of
your actions on the fish.
How can you
send them the fish?
I called and talked
with some Dan.
I said, "How am I supposed
to send it?"
He said,
Preserve it in formaldehyde.
I don't have anything like that.
In my opinion,
government of
Alberta has no clue
as to the state of the
Athabasca River.
They continue to give
permits for water licence,
for projects that requires
to use millions
of cubic meters
of water per project.
The people in the community
believe there is clearly
a problem with water.
Many of our people
dying of rare cancers
according to our doctor,
should not exist here
There are so many
for such a small community.
Naturally, local authorities
were forced
to investigate,
independent of those
Government and Industry
because all their studies
say that everything is fine here.
But when they bury
That's incredible.
We must do something.
I'm afraid
that the meeting tonight
will confirm our fears.
Because many people
who died of cancer
are people who eat
traditional food regularly.
It's very frustrating.
This meeting was
organised for you,
members of the community.
I'm glad
that you came.
Let me introduce you
Dr. Kevin Timoney.
He will take the floor.
Thank you.
Then, as Donna said,
some people in the community
concerned about the quality
of the water and sediment
and the presence of contaminants
in the environment
and that this may be related
disease in the community.
A quick overview of
what found..
In the water
the folling things sometimes
a cause for concern
in terms of their high levels:
arsenic, aluminum,
chromium, cobalt, copper, iron.
These are all heavy metals.
Lead, phosphorus,
selenium, titanium, phenol.
In sediments, the things of
most concern are arsenic,
cadmium,
PAHs and resin acids.
The level of mercury
found in fish
is very worrying for
human consumption.
Overall,
three contaminants
the are most disturbing
are arsenic, PAHs
and mercury.
Yes, Jackson?
You say that the fish
have a lot of mercury
and all sorts of diseases,
but have you checked the rats
musk and the beavers?
They also live in water.
Don't they have these things too?
It's a good question
and I wish I had
more information on that.
Many trappers have told me
they are finding musk
rats with bloody noses.
They also said
that the burrows smell of oil.
I think that needs to be
studied.
There is much controversy
surrounding the presence of arsenic
in water and animals.
A few years ago,
Suncor completed a study that revealed
that if you eat the moose,
fish and berries,
there will be between 312 and 453
additional cancer cases
per 100 000 inhabitants.
When those results
were released
Minister of Health
and Wellness of Alberta
commissioned a second
study ehich concluded
that the first study
was unreliable,
and that you did not
need to worry
and the actual arsenic level
was much lower.
In short, they concluded that the cases
additional cancer
would range from 17 to
But both studies conclude
the number of cancer cases
which is 1 in 100,000.
are considered acceptable.
I then reviewed the report
which claimed that arsenic
level was no problem.
I discovered
that the report
was based on
questionable statistical methods
and assumptions.
They underestimated the levl
of arsenic in water,
there were errors
in their data.
They underestimated
the amount of fish
people eat in
Fort Chipewyan.
I would conclude
that since the water and sediment
in your area have a
high arsenic content,
and there is a link
evident between arsenic
and diseases affecting
your community.
This is a red flag item
that really needs
to be studied in depth.
I am not sure I'd
use the word "cover-up"
but it is surely
something like that.
I would say that the government
and industry have data
which indicate that there is a problem
and that they are not telling
you about it.
Is that a cover-up?
I suppose you could say that.
Does your department
investigate all the deformities
in the fish and those kinds
of things that
the native of FortChipewyan
are talking about?
No,
not directly.
What we're doing is
continuing our responsibility
to monitor water quality.
Occasional deformities
which were found
are not restricted to
the Athabasca River.
Dr. Timoney used Official's
data in his report
but the government
Alberta maintains
the oil sands development does not
cause any serious problem.
But Dr. Timoney, like many others,
remains concerned about the
growing presence of chemicals
called policyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons or PAHs.
It is well established
that PAHs cause cancer
and other
of vascular disorders,
kidney problems,
liver and skin damage.
They have an interesting
synergetic effect with arsenic.
We know that arsenic is
a powerful carcinogen
and is associated with certain types
cancer seen in Fort Chipewyan.
The combination of arsenic
and PAHs may increase
carcinogenic effects
And it is precisely
what is found in water,
in the sediment of
the river and Delta.
Some independent reports,
there is a presence
of arsenic and PAHs.
Should we then make
more studies on the subject?
When people have concerns
in relation to their health
whether real or not,
we must take that into account.
So we're going to continue
the studies and monitoring
just to reassure them.
But there is no spill
of wastewater into the Athabasca
our monitiring information
tells us
there is no additional contaminants
They talk about arsenic,
but the levels were still
within the guidelines.
They talk about mercury.
It is at natural levels.
The oil sands outcrop
into the river naturally.
If you take a boatride in summer
you will see seepage
on the river bank.
It is obvious that water
downlstream from the oil sands
will carry some PAHs
that may not be found
in other rivers
because there isn'tany
hydrocarbons entering.
But that's natural.
Some of the under the table things
that have happened with the
response to
Dr. Timoney's report.
reveals the same thing:
The level of mercury
always been high there.
This is not really
the name of the game.
Sure, they probably were high
but are they higher since
we've been mining?
His report says, he found an
increase in PAH over time.
They claim that it is
all shifting bottom sediment.
,
It's a coincidence.
It's happened at four sites.
To me that is a coincidence in the same way
like flipping "heads" on
a coin 4 times.
It's wonderful to see so
many from Ontario
Quebec, Manitoba,
from the East and Alberta.
We are at the point where
the sector is about to grow up.
Over the 25 years prior to 1990,
Oil Sands
were only speculations,
and an opportunity to show
entrepreneurship
that we are proud about.
A money pit.
It was small, dirty, and very expensive.
For me,
it was like a newborn.
The baby had a big name:
Great Canadian Oil Sands,
which it had to grow into.
Then came a sibling
called Syncrude.
Millionaire family
was now complete.
Owners and regulators
are starting to realise
the problem with the children,
that they have their own ideas.
They do not always
act as you hoped.
They do some
things better than us
and some things
need to change.
Has our need for oil
become greater
than we need water?
Fresh water is scarce.
We believe it is unlimited
but less than 0.5% of the world's water
is fresh water.
The oil sands mining operations
requires upto 4 barrels of fresh water
to produce a barrel of oil.
This water comes
from the Athabasca River
which is fed from glaciers
in the Rockie mountains.
The Industry not only
sucks up large amount of water
but will produce more
carbon emissions
than all the cars in Canada
combined.
The oil produced by the industry
contributes to a cycle of consumption
that ascelerates climate change.
destroying the glaciers
that feed this delicate cycle.
The water has a spicy taste.
It is different.
My family business
has been around 10 years.
We are oneof three
spring water companies
which has a natural source.
Bottling is going from
For to go and discuss it.
that we should limit
the number of bottles,
is ridiculous when you see the
amount used by the oil companies.
They use so much fresh water.
The flow of all
rivers has decreased
Everyone has noticed.
Basically, this is it.
the oil platform
next to our spring.
Nobody told us about it.
We are very concerned
We haven't seen any data.
Nobody knows who is responsible
for protecting the water.
Nobody wants to take this on.
And AEUB is hanging up on me..
There's no overflow at all.
The power system
may be broken.
I do not know.
The level is low.
Shit!
There is nothing in there.
You know why there is no water?
It's because they take everything
up there for their drilling.
That's why!
They're taling all the water of aquifers.
That's where it's going, the water.
There has never been this little ever.
There is no water there.
Oh, my God!
Closes it.
We should go to
the platform and ask them
if they're using fresh water
from this region for drilling.
The flow goes down in winter
but not like that.
Let's go then.
It was not like this before
that the platform was installed.
Let's go.
If they do nothing,
Athabasca River will dry up.
I can not imagine that,
water comes from glaciers.
Glaciers are melting
so fast now.
There's one that has
completely disappeared.
When I was 12,
it was huge.
It 's melted down
that much.
I do not know.
The argument against the reduction
CO2 emissions
is that it has a
negative impact on the economy.
This is why George W.
Bush gave for withdrawing from Kyoto.
Similarly, the Prime Minister
Stephen Harper says
any action against climate change
would have to happen
without harming a
the Canadian economy.
Canada has spent 6 billion
in programs to reduce CO2
but has not met its
targets in 15 years.
That's because producing a barrel
of oil from the oil sands
emits three times more
greenhouse gas emissions
than a barrel of conventional oil.
Near the oil sands is
the Athabasca Glacier,
part of the Columbia
ice fields.
one of the largest reserves
freshwater in the world.
Because of global warming,
the glacier has dropped
by one and a half kilometres.
and lost half its volume.
We are entering very clearly
into a period
climate change
with major impacts on our
supply of fresh water,
water flowing from glaciers
and mountains.
Once they have melted,
This will be the end.
This land seems lonely.
Looking at the shoreI can
see how much water's gone.
I would say that the level has
declined by about three meters.
Lile, there,
was completely surrounded by water.
Now it's all land.
When I come here,
my heart cries.
All we were
given is destroyed,
because of one thing - oil.
Why?
We are in the largest
freshwater delta in the world.
And now, It is drying up.
- What are you doing?
- Just driving.
- This guy is really active.
- Hopefully.
- I think so.
I'll take off my glasses
a sign of respect.
See you later.
Many peopleof our
community believe
that chiefs are selling our interests.
They feel discouraged.
A lot of people
want change
and they believe
that I can do that.
I will not bend over to
cater to industry
because my people are in danger,
our way of life is in danger.
We now counting the votes
for Fort Chipewyan.
Are you ready?
A vote for Allan Adam.
Archie Cyprien.
Allan Adam.
Allan Adam.
Promising to fight the industry,
Chief Allan Adam is elected.
Three to one!
Right on! We did it.
The industry is working hard
to limit environmental impact.
We must also think
about economic benefits
and the socio-economic
benefits from the oil sands.
I think everyone is
of the answer being
that the impacts are so severe
that everything will
have to stop.
In this case, I do not know if the industry
and the government
are ready to stop.
I do not know if Canada
is ready to stop everything.
While the Chief Allan Adam
promises to fight the industry,
Dr. O'Connor leads
his own struggle.
After expressing his concerns
about high rates of diseases,
Health Canada has filed an
official complaint against him,
accusing him of unduly
panicking the population.
I was accused of
professional misconduct,
to have blocked access
medical records,
of unduly panickingthe community
and causing mistrust here.
When I arrived here,
I had to earn their trust
and since the beginning of this story
Ive been told again and again,
We asked for studies,
that were never made.
So I arrived
in a community
who did not trust
the government.
The people in the community
are not alarmed,
they are angry
because of these problems
and that they haven't been
looked at.
The number of people
with these these ilnesses
is much higher
than they have compiled.
Yet I studied each case,
I spoke with the nurse
who has been here 20 years.
I talked to their
realatives and my patients.
So I have all the necessary information
and if they need to verify
they can just come here to spend
half a day with me.
They'll see.
What bothers me a lot,
is that this doctor
only doing his job.
When he says that there is a
disproportionate rates
rare cancers in Fort Chipewyan,
Health Canada
in its wisdom,
filed a complaint
against a physician
that is just doing his job.
Is it because we
are indigenous
Health Canada,
Alberta Health, Industry,
anyone who could
make a difference
and find a resolution to
Dr. O'Connor claims
as apposed to lodging
a complaint against him.
A week after my election,
I suspended all
negotiating with industry.
It's for the good of the community.
We need to know where
we're going.
Our health is very important.
We must regain control
and say
what they are doing is wrong.
They are killing us and are trying
to silence Dr. O'Connor.
But in our view, he is a hero.
And that the government
can not take it away.
I do not know if
going to that rig
It looks like the equipment.
There is a platform
Drilling on top of us.
They bore into the aquifers.
It concerns me greatly.
The level of our water is very low.
I know they use water
groundwater for their operations.
So I want to understand
the scientific process
whether their activities
affect our source.
Good morning. Sorry
I did not wake you up.
I wonder...
Everything I do,
is drill a hole...
and you can turn off
or from your camera.
... I can shoot a little?
- No.
Let us go. They monitor.
I tried to remain neutral
hoping it would
information, but no, nothing.
I asked two simple questions:
One, do I see a
higher number of diseases?
Two, how to explain it?
Is it genetics, lifestyle,
a simple bad luck?
Or is it an environmental effect?
In recent years,
we called for an investigation
Health in Fort Chip
but I recently discovered
we made this request
for years in vain.
I do not understand why.
Today, we risk a
genocide Fort Chipewyan
the name of profit and prosperity
Alberta, Canada.
This should not happen
today
Fort Chipewyan.
This should not happen in Alberta
Canada, a G8 country.
The sector is large,
a settling pond
of several square kilometers
and Monday, hundreds
birds encountered here.
Of the 500
birds that landed
on this pool of toxic Syncrude
we recovered only a few.
There seems to see little hope
save the ducks.
A bird covered
oil flowing immediately.
This incident occurred
when Alberta
launches campaign
of $ 25 million
for the oil sands.
Business Without Borders
The government and all
affected groups
pride in management
oil sands
and satisfactory image
we have created.
The world sees us
as a model.
We have made
what was predicted in 1890
by an officer who visited
the Athabasca
and I quote:
"When the time of the sands
tar ring,
"It will be one of the wonders
Northern Development. Thank you. "
Heather Kennedy made
a speech last night.
I know very well
this woman at Suncor.
And senior advisor
She now works
for the government,
service approvals.
What conclusion do you draw?
It is not only unusual,
is unacceptable.
This person is a part
executive at Suncor
and as Assistant Deputy Minister
Development Manager
around Fort McMurray,
Suncor and still pays a salary.
Conflict of interest
is so obvious
you can not hide it.
First Nations have found
it was important that Suncor
come into the community
to give us problems,
especially in terms
Spills
the Athabasca River.
About these
types of spills,
How about some
cause cancer?
Some have
carcinogenic contaminants?
Carcinogenic PAHs?
It is a matter of dosage
and exposure time.
It also depends on the people,
some are more prone
cancer than others.
- Well, yes.
- They can help,
but I can not say
it's absolutely the case.
There are many factors involved
So why
do you continue to do that?
We lost
many people here.
We bury our dead without stops.
And the government gives
still operating license.
You should be ashamed of yourself.
We work
instructions of the Government
and we are doing the impossible
to do better than these instructions.
Christine,
there are many angry people here
and you wonder why?
Nobody wants to drink the water
or eat fish or game.
When 500 ducks died,
Premiers
Alberta and Canadian
have requested a full investigation.
We, all we ask,
is a preliminary study of health
and no one reacts.
Nobody comes here to listen
and try to find
solutions to the situation
desperate as we live.
Neither Suncor or Syncrude
neither the Government of Alberta
nor the federal government.
It's very hard to hear
what you're saying.
You do not believe us.
You do not believe
what the government says,
you do not believe us
when we tell you
that water quality is good.
I have a question.
Why did you bring
bottled water?
This confirms
there is a problem with water.
And another question:
Will you live here? Would you eat
of fish have tumors?
Sometimes we speak
the same language.
And that's what I see here
tonight.
We do not speak the same language
and we do not understand.
How can we
initiate discussion
for us to understand
what happens
and what causes such anger
and such a fear in you?
Because we
do not want that either.
As head, I can tell you
that this could
cause a real disaster
in the judicial system.
I recommend
to work hand in hand
with First
nations in the region.
When we ring the alarm
because there are problems,
it's not for lack of attention,
because our community is
endangered
and we will not tolerate
it longer.
Oil is like
a wild animal.
Whoever finds
becomes the owner.
So said John Paul Getty,
the industrialist who founded Getty Oil.
In Canada,
His words are still true.
You do not have
oil at least to hold shares
Exxon Mobil
Suncor, Petro-Canada
or any other big
private company that controls
oil reserves of Canada.
We do not ask
compensation,
We want the area to be protected.
It is the source that feeds
many rivers here.
I think we will call
the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
You can not...
It has to be the Ministry
Environment?
To cease operations until
what is statistics?
Okay. Thank you. Bye-Bye.
She hung up immediately
she understood.
If it is registered,
I have to ask
my supervisor to come.
We will discuss and remember.
It was the person who...
Ministry of the Environment?
No, the AEUB.
You see?
We must get out of the province,
that's what I always said.
Because people here do nothing
and we are going in circles.
As a leader,
it breaks my heart to see
our land in danger.
As people
First Nations
we must show
and let the world know
what is happening in our region.
Because if people
do not know,
will continue
to apply oil
that comes from oil sands.
For the first time
I come to Ottawa.
I am sometimes nervous
when I speak in public,
but if you want to do
the message,
you must speak to the public.
We are in Ottawa
to ask for help
Federal Government
must protect the First
Nations across Canada.
The Government of Alberta
does not protect us.
He did not intend to protect
our environment
and resolve problems
Health of Fort Chipewyan.
We believe that the government
Alberta and industry
do not follow any
guidelines in place.
Nowhere in the world
do we want to destroy a region
the size of Florida.
Environmental advocacy group
Nowhere do we find the
Toxic ponds so enormous
they are visible from space.
This study did not receive
Stelmach's attention
which ruled out.
The study was made by Defence
Toronto Environmental.
They are environmentalists
who do not know the facts.
He changed his tune
when he met
one of these environmental
Fort Chipewyan
with a copy of the report
during the election campaign.
Here is the report
Environmental Defense.
Yes, I have heard a lot about.
The government does
not to our requests,
including those concerning
cancer at home.
Stelmach said he is
in its duty to protect
prosperity of Alberta and that
will travel to Fort Chipewyan
after the elections,
if it has the support of locals.
The extraction of crude oil
oil sands is very energy intensive.
People would
shocked if they knew
how much oil the United States
import into Canada.
Obama is in Canada
for his first presidential trip.
Obama and Harper will discuss
trade, energy and environment.
Groups
environmental press
Obama to reduce
dependence of the United States
oil sands
sands of Alberta, Canada.
What country
the United States imports they
most of their oil?
If you answered Saudi
Arabia, you are mistaken.
This is Canada.
We should perhaps
tone down
when we renegotiate NAFTA.
Oil Sands
operate at breakneck speed,
supported by corporate interests
for the integration of economies
and resources in North America.
The proportionality clause
NAFTA provides
a percentage
energy resources
continues to flow south.
This means increasing the export
a limited resource.
The oil sands are becoming
the largest project
industrial history.
With production
that there are five-fold,
networks of oil sands
extend across the continent.
With a new agreement called
Partnership
security and prosperity
NAFTA will
Energy Security
United States
but not that of Canada.
Canada remains
one of the few industrialized countries
to have kept
no power for himself.
These agreements may also
apply to the water.
The Prime Minister said that Canada
is an energy superpower.
Voice of Gordon Laxer,
Political Economy, U. Alberta
But a superpower should exercise
its influence independently.
What kind of superpower
let foreign companies
dominate its resources?
Canada sells its greatest
resource only 25 cents a barrel,
to multinationals like Exxon?
He gives up the right
to set its own prices,
to limit exports
to reduce its CO2 emissions.
What kind of superpower
ensures safety
energy of its neighbors
when she did not even plan
to meet the needs
Canadians?
Enbridge:
Kinder Morgan:
TransCanada: 600,000 barrels
per day to Illinois and Oklahoma
We have become a
energy supplier
submitted to the United States.
This is a result of NAFTA
and clause
proportionality of NAFTA.
Canadians must ask themselves
serious questions
the consequences.
Suppose that we faced
a severe shortage
natural gas in the country.
What would happen if
we try to keep
NAFTA Meeting, 2005
for our purposes a
part of the natural gas
part of exports
to the United States?
We would then
it is not possible.
Treaties are signed
between two nations.
My first nation
a government in itself,
on our ancestral lands.
When governments
Alberta and Canada
breaking the promise they
Mount made in this treaty
then, the treaty no longer applies.
I ask them to resume
their paper towel
and I'll take my country.
The story - before the white man
Restoration site
Observatory and buffalo
You see the earth was dug
to extract the oil sands
and they replant the trees there.
The land is restored.
So now, bison
can live, life is returning.
I see.
That's why the buffalo are here.
Yes, when they dig,
they must return the land
in the same condition it was.
This is the agreement they have
concluded with the natives.
The land can be restored.
Before the operation,
quality was poor,
because originally it contained
many hydrocarbons.
This limited land use.
Over the years,
Oil content
in the soil will be extracted.
They are right when they say that
the earth will be better than before
because oil is a
and they remove the contaminant.
So by removing the oil, it relieves
the region of a contaminant?
- Right.
- Explain to me.
The act of withdrawing from 8 to 12%
bitumen found in the sand
improves the quality of the land
because the bitumen is mixed with sand.
But if you dig 90 meters
in the soil to remove the trees,
shaving entire forests.
Do you consider this
as an improvement
the environment?
Not necessarily.
It depends on the point of view.
Remove trees is not
necessarily an improvement,
but is it that trees can
back in 50 or 60 years?
I think so.
It must be recognized
they have brought together experts
international told them,
These wetlands have
thousands of years to form.
We can not
regenerate quickly.
They know they
can not recover
these lands to their original state.
Despite this, watching TV
and there is all the propaganda.
They do not want
that the public is aware of that.
How is it
the destruction of an aquifer
does not fall under the jurisdiction
the Privacy Act
the environment?
Aaron spoke to a representative of the Ministry
of Alberta Environment.
It is a question of use
and water contamination.
We have more water
in the mountains
if these guys continue what they do.
What will we drink?
What do your kids drink?
They ask me:
"Do you drive a car?"
Yes, of course. "Do you drink water?"
It is said that the operation
sands of Athabasca
will exhaust all
water resources,
if the oil and gas is not stopped,
and you tell me that your department
can do nothing less than a
to have evidence?
There have never been proven!
What am I supposed to do?
You too. Goodbye.
He says he manages
criminal cases.
It was the pits.
- The Ministry of the Environment?
- From Alberta, yes.
Because of agreements
international trade
it is difficult for
citizens to oppose
to resource extraction
at national level.
Representatives from Fort Chip
are turning to international markets.
We will make a presentation
Oil Sands.
This is a special session
dedicated to the delegation
Fort Chipewyan on the subject.
Are you nervous?
- No.
- Liar.
Are you kidding!
Mikisew Cree
Denes and the Athabasca
addressed to the Permanent Forum
on Indigenous Issues
to request a moratorium
on any new approval
the oil sands.
When I returned from Canada,
from their ancestral lands,
I was completely
dismayed by what I saw.
Aboriginal Coalition
Environment
I travel around the world,
in indigenous territories
of developing countries
or there are disasters
related to mining.
But I went to the sands
sands and sites there.
This is the situation
the worst I've seen.
A developed country
such as Canada,
boasting its policy
on Human Rights,
allow such things!
Mordor is alive and thriving
in northern Canada.
Desolation, destruction,
water contamination.
These are very serious problems.
What happens here is the recipe
for destruction
Total country.
The thirst for oil
thirst for energy,
and greed of shareholders.
There is a big demand
crack in the street
then there is always a supplier.
There is a big demand for oil
while Alberta will continue
to provide it as there will be.
If it takes 200 or 300 years
to remove it completely,
they will do.
What next?
We create a vicious circle
contamination
and depletion of water.
All that to extract
oil from the ground.
And it's not a chance.
It is created and run by technology.
We want to maintain a
relatively easy way of life.
We want to continue
the American dream.
And we believe that
technology will allow us to find
solutions to problems
real that lie ahead.
The pressure on oil reserves,
on climate and on our resources
be relieved by a
technological solution.
There will be one. We will find it.
The new technician
that captures and stores carbon,
is the subject of this statement.
When it is fully
marketed,
it will collect
CO2 emissions
due to the operation
oil sands
and central
thermal coal
and store them underground.
Americans
and Canadians say
the oil sands
are dirty oil
because extraction methods.
Would you say it
dirty oil?
We know that the oil sands
create a big impact on CO2.
I think the United States
and Canada can work together
for carbon capture
and greenhouse gas emissions
before they are
released into the atmosphere.
And it will be good for everyone.
Because if we do not
we will reach a ceiling
limiting development
our economy
and quality of life
we hold dear.
I think technology
solve this problem.
It is assumed
these natural resources are there.
That even if they are not
renewable in some cases
technology will
to our rescue.
But one day we will
face the big question:
do we
continue to lead
a lifestyle that is unsustainable?
We have become
highly dependent on oil,
at all levels,
and that's the problem.
With the oil sands
we touch the bottom.
Faced with the scarcity of fresh water
and changes
climate undeniable
our dependence on oil
has never been more evident.
The only real solution
is to change our way
life unbearable.
Finally, Dr.
O'Connor has been silenced
for about a year.
When his case was submitted
the College of Physicians
and Surgeons,
He was cleared of all
the charges, except one.
He is still accused of
unduly panicked population.
Come.
I am very anxious that the situation
back to normal.
Let's focus on that.
And I do not know if it
return to normal.
I received a letter.
The College of Physicians
has yet written to the lawyer.
Doctors at Health Canada
analyzed the situation
and we still wonder
to summarize the facts.
I have nothing new to say
and I stand by everything I said.
In hindsight, I must say
it was extremely stressful
and it is not finished.
Ah! Look at that!
- It's much better.
- But it is still low.
Let's see what we have here.
It was full when my parents
found that source.
You feel a little better
because they have canceled plans
pipeline and drilling.
For now. We do not know
not what that means.
For the future, I do not know.
I would like to
something in place
before operations resume.
Now
is the calm before the storm.
Just as the price of oil
increases and they will come back.
If there is something interesting here
they'll take it.
That's the problem.
I do not know if I
want to export water.
It is no longer a business issue.
I changed my mind.
Do I want to produce
million plastic bottles?
It's part of our problem.
This is even more
unnecessary waste.
So now
I think more to the conservation
water than profits.
What they do is wrong.
And I'm not afraid
to express my concerns
and even to protest.
It is not just
First Nations,
but all of Canada.
And I do not think
should support the war
rampant
in the world with our oil
which is operating here,
in the Athabasca region.
I am convinced.
I know why I
leading this battle.
It is for this reason.
It is not only
to preserve the nature,
but to protect my people.
Because if everything disappears,
it is almost certain
that we will disappear as well.
A study of Health
Canada now admits
the number of cancer Fort
Chipewyan was higher than expected.
In 2009, the First Nation
The Athabasca Chipewyan
filed suit against
the Government of Canada.