Activist Claim: Environmental Defence pushes new campaign to “uncover” oil and gas industry lobbying, claims industry is trying to block climate action.

The Facts: Every industry lobbies the government, including ENGOs – and the oil and gas sector has a right to advocate for its workers, its role in reducing emissions, and its value to Canada’s economy.

The Source:

It’s alive! Our new lobbying bot let’s you track oil & gas lobbying at your fingertips
 

Here are some facts and sources to have a reasonable conversation speaking with government:

•  It is actually the Government’s job under administrative law to serve its citizens and stakeholders.  It has a positive obligation to consult and meet with concerned and affected stakeholders in representing their interest. There’s a lobby registry that shows the nature of those meetings to maintain transparency.
  https://lobbycanada.gc.ca/app/secure/ocl/lrs/do/guest
   
• Every industry lobby’s the federal government. The point of the lobby registry to is keep open access to information for interested stakeholders in the lobbying efforts of organizations. Environmental groups lobby the government just as much or more than the oil and gas industry which is one of the country’s largest industries.
  https://lobbycanada.gc.ca/app/secure/ocl/lrs/do/guest

• The 12-month lobbying activity report shows hundreds if not thousands of contacts between environmental organizations and the government.
  https://lobbycanada.gc.ca/app/secure/ocl/lrs/do/clntSmmrySrch?V_SEARCH.command=refineCategory&V_TOKEN=1234567890&V_SEARCH.scopeCategory=solr.facetName.comlogGovernmentInstitutions%3D35

• Former staff from environmental organizations have infiltrated senior positions within the government. This made it easy for environmental organizations to lobby on a “climate accountability act”. The result was Bill C-12 which looks like it was written by those organizations who lobbied for it in meetings. Who needs a champion when the Government accepts your legislation with little editing.
  https://financialpost.com/opinion/opinion-why-engos-love-bill-c-12-they-wrote-it

Stories that get it right

Don’t cap Indigenous opportunity.

More than 100 First Nations communities, jobs, and businesses are at risk. For a decade, Indigenous communities have been working to become partners and owners in oil and gas projects.

On July 18, the federal government announced a plan to reduce emissions from the oil and gas sector by 42% in just eight years.

This Emissions cap will stop current and new oil and gas projects, putting billions of dollars of Indigenous equity and revenues at stake.

The federal government has pursued this policy without the consultation of First Nations and Metis communities and without our consent. Our Indigenous Communities must be involved in the decision as to what is environmentally responsible, ethical and economical.