In October, the B.C. government celebrated a decision by private-sector investors to proceed with LNG Canada, a $40 billion infrastructure project in Kitimat to export “natural” gas. Yet somehow much of the media coverage neglects to mention that this gas is extracted by hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, which is now the primary method for natural gas production in Canada. Why are so many media and government announcements studiously avoiding the “F” word?

A new report co-written by Gil McGowan, the president of the Alberta Federation of Labour and co-chair of Alberta's energy diversification advisory committee, suggests the province could reap an economic bonanza from the LNG (liquefied natural gas) export facility being developed in northern British Columbia.

McGowan spoke to David Gray about the report on the Calgary Eyeopener Tuesday. This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

Q: Why is this such good news for Alberta?

Editor: This article shows the need for a change in the way people survive and find satisfaction in their lives.  At the very least governments should be encouraging jobs in producing alternative/sustainable energy.  The article shows a misunderstanding of the effects of fracked gas which is a greenhouse gas contributing to global climate change. The damaging effects of fracking, pipeline building and ultimate burning of the gas on the environment and climate are overlooked.)

Oct 22, 2018 - 

In a decision without precedent in its 25 years of existence, British Columbia’s Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) has told Progress Energy that two massive unauthorized dams that it built will not have to undergo environmental assessments.

When governments abandon us, we must step up

[Our politicians, under the influence of big business, have failed us. As they take the planet to the brink, it’s time for disruptive, nonviolent disobedience - Guardian headline]

published in the Guardian 18th October 2018

Oct 18, 2018 - Highly concentrated corporate ownership of Canada's energy sector and lack of government influence mean there's very little incentive for the fossil fuel industry to pay attention to the dangers of global climate change or worry about the communities and workers that depend on it.

Tell G20 Leaders: Gas Is Not A Bridge Fuel