The Yukon government is continuing to plan ways to develop the oil and gas resources in the territory. In a recently published request for proposals the government asks contractors to submit ideas for an “engagement strategy on responsible oil and gas development.”

The tender documents indicate this strategy will essentially be a three-year communications exercise. The Department of Energy, Mines and Resources states the “engagement strategy” is part of its action plan on oil and gas development, which is guided by the government’s response to the select committee on hydraulic fracking.

Essentially, the government is ignoring the 8,000 signatures on petitions opposed to fracking. The government is not listening to the overwhelming opposition to fracking heard during the hearings held by the select committee regarding the risks and benefits of hydraulic fracking.

Oil and gas development means hydraulic fracturing. No communications plan or “strategy for meaningful dialogue” can change the fact that developing oil and gas resources using fracking poses unacceptable environmental risks. Spending government money (i.e. our money) to convince people of something they have already rejected is outrageous!

Implementing an “engagement strategy” that says the oil and gas development is “responsible” does not make it so! The only responsible action is to leave it in the ground and develop sustainable renewable energy.

Spence Hill

Whitehorse