Meeting Summary

November 17, 2014

Topic:   The Future of Heavy Oil:  The Need for a Social License

Guest Speaker:   Darrel Howell, P. Eng  Armada Industrial Services Ltd.

Introduced by:    Rotarian  Brian McCook

Thanked by:  Rotarian Tyler Morrissette

 

 

Darrel stated that his presentation  was NOT a technical paper but represented his personal opinions on anecdotal issues relating to the  Oil Industry and reviewed many perceptions and reality issues connected with the Industry. Some examples were:  Perception - that pipelines, especially bitumen pipelines are dangerous; Reality - they are the safest and most efficient form of transportation;   Perception -  that Oilsands are responsible for global warming;   Reality - Oilsands contribute less than 0.1% of global C02 emissions;  Perception - Oilsands and heavy oil are bad for the environment; Reality -  the oil industry is arguably the best environment stewards in the resource industry; Darrel listed many more examples too numerous to mention.  Individuals need to make informed decisions based on solid, sound information.  We need to be skeptical of celebrity messaging and not be afraid  to challenge incorrect statements; we need to encourage governments in their initiatives and above all take responsibility and challenge incorrect statements. Oilsands/Heavy Oil is an efficient, environmentally responsible indutry, that is continually improving and is key to Canada's economic well being.

 

DREAM VACATION WINNERS;   Trip of the month - Cam Nutbrown     $100.00   Bob and Helen Ambler    $50.00  Kim Akre

 

Jason Whiting stepped up to the plate to fill in at the last moment for the missing Sgt-at-Arms.  Thanks Jason - that's what good chairmen do. 

 

SPEAKER NEXT WEEK:   Acclaimed writer Mryna Kostash  on the history of Frog Lake.