The Alberta oilsands continue to worry environmentalists. We see a wide shot of an oilsands production site with a dozen or so smokestacks sending billowing white smoke into the sky.

The Alberta oilsands continue to worry environmentalists.
Photo Credit: cbc.ca

Environmentalists unhappy with oilsands decision

The NDP government in Alberta, elected less than a year ago, is under fire for disbanding an arm’s length body that monitors the environment impact of the province’s oilsands.

A group of 10 top Canadian researchers says that bringing the agency back under the government opens the door to political interference.

Citing a consultant’s report that the monitoring agency was a three-year failed experiment, Environment Minister Shannon Phillips made the announcement earlier this week

Phillips compared environmental monitoring to public health and safety, terming it a core function of government.

The researchers say the agency was making good progress despite bureaucratic resistance and credible research was being conducted.

Meanwhile, Alberta Premier Rachel Notley on Thursday urged people across the country to buy into the idea of building a pipeline from Alberta to the East Coast.

It was one her strongest statements in support of the proposed Energy East pipeline project, which has met resistance from many politicians and environmentalists.

She made the comment in a province-wide television address.

The Alberta economy is currently struggling because of the drop in world oil prices.

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