Submitted by Climate Action Muskoka
Political economist and Gravenhurst resident Gordon Laxer will discuss his new report exposing the disturbing power and influence of multi-national foreign oil corporations on Canadian climate and energy policy in a webinar on Thursday, January 27, 2022 at 7:30 pm.
Published by the Council of Canadians and the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, “Posing as Canadian: How Big Foreign Oil Captures Canadian Energy and Climate Policy” reveals how foreign fossil fuel interests influence Canadian governments.
“People may be surprised and intrigued to learn that all major oil corporations operating in Canada are fully or majority foreign-owned,” says Laxer. “Yet they wave the maple leaf flag, meddle in Canadian politics and perpetually lobby the federal and Alberta governments. In a healthy democracy, the voters, not foreign-influenced corporations, shape the policies enacted in their name.”
The report found that foreign-owned corporations fund about 97 per cent of the revenue of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) – the apex oil and gas lobby group in Canada. A 2018 law bans foreign entities from meddling in Canadian elections. But, if corporations list their headquarters in Canada, they can register as third-party advertisers for elections. Executives of foreign-owned oil corporations have made sizeable contributions to political parties and politicians who favour their agenda. The report recommends closing the loophole.
“Climate impacts now occur across Canada. Oil and gas production is the largest source of carbon pollution here, but still governments drag their feet on policies to transition off fossil fuels. Now we know why,” says CAM co-founder, Sue McKenzie. “Canadians want to be listened to and want a ‘made in Canada’ climate policy, not one influenced by foreign fossil fuel interests.”
Gordon Laxer is a political economist, professor emeritus at the University of Alberta, and the founding Director of Parkland Institute. He is the author of two award-winning books (After the Sands: Energy and Ecological Security for Canadians, and Open for Business: The Roots of Foreign Ownership in Canada) and the editor of several others. He has published over 40 journal articles, refereed book chapters, and research reports. His op-eds have been published widely in Canadian outlets and he has also been a regular guest on current affairs radio and television programs.
The webinar is jointly hosted by Climate Action Muskoka (CAM), Environment Haliburton! (EH!), and Seniors for Climate Action Now (SCAN!).
Register at environmenthaliburton.org. The report can be found at gordonlaxer.com.
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