| New regulations for mining sector urged
Mining and oil and gas companies operating overseas could be subject to stricter Canadian regulations if the federal government implements the recommendations of a recent report.
Last year the federal government held a series of public round tables to examine measures that could be taken to improve Canadian mining and oil and gas company practices overseas. The round tables heard from people in other countries who had been negatively impacted by Canadian mining and oil and gas companies. An advisory group to the round table process released a report at the end of March.
The group is urging the federal government to adopt a new Corporate Social Responsibility Framework, which would lay out internationally recognized standards that mining and oil and gas companies operating overseas would be expected to meet. The framework would also require companies to report on their compliance with the standards. The group also recommends that the government create an independent ombudsman that would investigate complaints about Canadian companies operating overseas. The advisory group also recommends that the federal government stop providing any government services to companies that fail to comply with standards. The federal government is also urged to work with governments in developing countries to develop strategies to "optimize social and economic benefits of extractive projects" and to ensure the rights of local indigenous people.
There’s been no shortage of Calgary-based companies that have been criticized for their activities overseas. Talisman Energy received international condemnation from activists for operating out of Sudan in the middle of its civil war. Activists charged that the Sudanese government was using oil profits to finance its war against the people of southern Sudan. Activists have also attacked EnCana for its former oil projects in Ecuador, which they claim have damaged fragile rainforest areas. Activists also claim that the Ecuador military threatened and harassed locals who were opposed to EnCana oil projects on behalf of EnCana. A Calgary-based mining company, TVI Pacific Inc., has also been mired in controversy over its gold mine on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines.
Climate change regulation consultation
Albertans will have a chance to have their say on Alberta’s greenhouse gas emission regulations at a public forum in Calgary. The forum takes place on April 10 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Carriage House Inn (9030 Macleod Trail).
The government has introduced legislation that would require large industrial polluters to reduce their greenhouse gas emission intensity by 12 per cent beginning July 1. Greenhouse gas emission intensity means emissions per unit of production. Under the proposed legislation, overall emissions could rise as the economy grows. Climate change scientists say the only way we can avert climate change is to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions. |
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