Tar Sands

The Sierra Youth Coalition works side-by-side with Albertan communities and regional organizations in the spirit of anti-oppression. As outsiders intent on contributing to the grave issue of Albertan tar sands, we recognize that we are in fact joining an existing and powerful local movement. As such, our stance echoes what is already being demanded by those communities impacted:

• That we legislate that no new approvals be given to tar sands development until democratically-created regional plans are in place that give communities a say in the nature of their economic growth and in how the ecological and socio-economic impacts will be dealt with.
• That Aboriginal communities be respected and their treaty rights be honoured and upheld.
• That Canada reassess its national energy policy, particularly its energy-exporting obligations under the North-American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
• That environmental justice — the right to a healthy and productive environment — be enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.