When analyzing the controversial issue of whether or not to allow the Trans pipeline expansion to proceed, many aspects must be taken into consideration when making this crucial and urgent decision. By evaluating the situation it’s necessary to discuss points on both opposing and supporting sides, and some of those valid points such as; the potential job opportunities for local citizens but then that may come with risking possible detrimental impacts the expansion will have on our environment afterwards. Regardless, after intensive research, evaluations and all political discussions had, the decision has been made to decline the request of expansion for the Trans pipeline to proceed. Due to the high intensity of controversy and arising debates over the situation, reasoning behind the decision will be discussed as well as rebuttals to all of the opposing opinions arguments.
To begin, the most argued point of those supporting the expansion of the Trans pipeline is discussing the fact that 800,000 totaljobs would potentially be provided if the project proceeded which would lead to the positive economy impact it would have on Canada. Admittedly this is a great point and shows a possible boost for the economy but it has to be kept in mind that, there is a much more crucial and immediate issue to address. Which is just simply how seriously these projects endanger locals ecosystems nationwide and long term (which will for certain, affect everyone severely in the end). Not to mention, this expansion would almost guarantee the risk of more frequent oil spills, something our environment can’t handle at this point. In addition to the oil spill issue there’s another detrimental issue big enough on it’s own… Pursuing this expansion guarantees placing the whole orca species in British Columbia at high risk of becoming endangered or in the further future possibly, extinct. Once again, as a country we must make decisions that benefit us in the future as well, not just short term. When making a decision as large as one like this, it’s so crucial that decisions aren’t made based on impulse of what seems to be the best option at first thought. Research needs to be thoroughly understood and discussions need to be had, that show light on both opposing and supporting views in order to come to a properly thought out decision.
The next issue that has been argued against our decision by those in favour of allowing the expansion of the Trans pipeline, is that, Organization Supporters of the pipeline expansion believe they heavily engage in facilitating opportunities that train and employ those in the who are in need of work in Indigenous communities. When the harsh truth is that research show when you look at a survey that was conducted; 91% (210,000 people) of First Nations people said they do not approve the request of expanding the Trans Mountain pipeline. In addition to that, our defence lies on the research that shows that there is a record, that lists First Nations that have vocally stated that they are against the project. Another point regarding this argument is that it’s documented that there are Indigenous individuals who currently reside in Alberta and Saskatchewan whom of which live in the conditions of having polluted air, water and land, due to the oilsands and the spills of downstream. After discovering more about First Nations and their stance on this expansion, it is more than safe to say that considering the negative side effects it has taken on their lives already from the first pipeline created, that they would agree with opposing the expansion and would rather avoid all the damage it holds.
Although there have been many opposing opinions in regards to the decision that has been made, however the last one that will be further addressed is that proceeding with this project holds $18.5B that would be strictly directed to roads, schools and hospitals. Despite how it can’t be denied that this economic benefit seems very appealing when thinking of the best option for Canada and our economy, the negative effects that would of occurred if this project were to continue still need to be understood. For starters, the mining technique that is used in these oilsands is an extremely invasive removal of the boreal forest which is often referred to as the ‘’overburden’’. What many people who oppose this decision are not aware that this forest is a massive part of our ecosystem considering how it is one of the most effective carbon system worldwide, and of Canada is already damaging it badly, giving one more reason as to why the land should and will remain untouched. Another pressing harsh reality is the fact that when bitumen is then mined than processed causes it to be toxic to the environment considering bitumen is essentially tar which in fact flows in pipelines. These mining processes are created with having significant CO2 emissions in addition to the amount of toxins make these processes highly energy-intensive. If the decision was the expand the Trans pipeline, the oilsands and burning of fossil fuels pollutes the atmosphere around us externally. All of these points in response to those who are focused on the money that was set for the local schools and hospitals and just those who are on the opposing side, understand these responses to those points are heavily researched based and the decision was made to do what’s best for our country.
To conclude, it is sincerely understood that this decision may frustrate some of us, however the opposing side has been heard. In the most professional process of making a decision possible, and after intensive research as stated previously, not allowing the expansion is the best possible decision that benefits not only our country but all creatures and ecosystems that come with Canada. The damage that has already affected the our environment and ecosystems caused previously is irreversible. However, making the most environmentally friendly decision in this situation will keep the flow in the right direction of ending the mass destruction of our coast and the earth that we share. As stated previously, focusing on the fast acting benefits such as the employment opportunities, is a temporary benefit to our economy because when thinking about that decision long-term, it would result in the earth as whole in severe danger with a highly disrupted ecosystem.