Gillian Merron (Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Foreign & Commonwealth Office; Lincoln, Labour)
holding answer 31 March 2009
We have received reports that First Nation groups are concerned that contamination and water drainage associated with extracting oil from the oil sands could damage the Athabasca/Peace River area. First Nations also dispute, in some cases, the leasing of the land where oil sands are located, arguing the provincial government should consult with them before it grants leases to companies.
We have received reports that the current production processes used in the oil sands contribute up to three times the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (primarily carbon dioxide) compared with conventional oil production (based on figures contained in the Pembina Institute's Report Oil Sands Fever November 2005).
The Alberta oil sands currently account for approximately 5 per cent. of Canada's GHG emissions, though this level is estimated to rise to 16 per cent. by 2020 (based on figures contained in the Canadian Government's Turning the Corner Update March 2008).
In December 2008 Canada and the UK signed a Joint Statement on Carbon Capture and Storage, agreeing to work closely to develop and promote carbon capture technologies as a means to reducing GHG emissions.