What You're Saying: Social impacts

The oil sands clearly provide an economic benefit to thousands in the form of jobs, but it is more difficult to measure whether there is a social impact. Many of the participants in canadasoilsands.ca indicated they are concerned about the effect that oil sands development, and fossil fuel dependence in general, is having on daily life. From the safety of people working on the job, to ensuring future generations have secure access to energy – the human element is a big part of the ongoing conversation.

“I have worked in the oilsand industry for 27 years…I wish I could communicate to you how serious the people who work in this industry are about the environment, you have no idea the hard work, tenacity and commitment to research that goes into this industry… many people all across Canada benefit from the oilsand industry. These are real people who are raising children and paying bills and are concerned what they would do if the oilsand industry was closed down.” (June 27, 2008)
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“No one disagrees that the Oil Sands are invaluable to Canadian economic growth, however should it be at the expense of public safety?” (August 16, 2008)
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“The Oil Sands and Colorado's Oil Shale are North America's key to unlocking energy dependence on foreign oil.” (August 1, 2008)
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“Big oil is building 6 hours or more in the bush from Edmonton. To make up for the wreckage on marriage and family then a 10-4 schedule with double time weekends with double time pension with flights should be the industry standard…To anyone who has not done it, camp life erodes life after a couple of months.” (July 13, 2008)
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“I truly believe we are at the point now where we are not mortgaging our grandchildren’s future, or even our children’s future, we are mortgaging OUR future.”
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“I hear this so much from people…REDUCE CONSUMPTION! We are energy gluttons! We must be sustainable! But what I never hear is HOW! Please indicate what this society of ours can reduce and what economic and social impact it will have.” (August 8, 2008)
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