NDP urges Liberals to stand up to oilsands CEOs

OTTAWA – New Democrats are calling on Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault to get serious about the climate catastrophe and stand up to the Oilsands CEO giants. The call comes in response to comments made by Suncor CEO Rich Kruger, who bragged of the “urgency” for big oil to make as much money as possible from fossil fuel investments.

NDP critic for natural resources Charlie Angus (Timmins-James Bay) says Kruger’s comments show a mercenary disregard for the climate catastrophe unfolding across Canada.

“People across the country are facing the unprecedented threat of wildfire and environmental devastation,” said Angus. “And yet we have the CEO of Suncor bragging that the only urgency for Big Oil is to make more money, fire more workers and burn more fossil fuels. Suncor has been given unprecedented access to the Liberal government and yet are making it clear they have no intention of doing their part to fight the climate crisis.”

New Democrats insist on two steps to address Suncor’s inaction on the environmental crisis. This first is for Minister Guilbeault to follow through on the Liberal’s 2019 promise to institute an emissions cap. Secondly, the government must promise that Suncor will not be allowed a role on the advisory tables for getting Canada to a net zero economy.

“Minister Guilbeault promised the world that Canada would institute an emissions cap, but have been dragging their feet on getting it done. This has emboldened climate deniers like Danielle Smith and big oil CEOs,” said Angus. “Our planet is on fire, and these companies act like it is business as usual. The Liberal government needs to stand up to the Oilsands CEOs and say the free ride of destroying our environment is over.”