July 26, 2012
Media tips & leads
UVic Poli Sci Prof Provides Pipeline Perspective
University of Victoria political scientist Jamie Lawson is an expert in the Canadian political system who is frequently called upon by the media for his perspectives on the news of the day. He has been watching the conflict between British Columbia Premier Christy Clark and Alberta Premier Alison Redford over the environmental and financial outcomes of the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline intended to carry bitumen across Western Canada for export.
“For Alberta, a BC share in prairie oil revenues is a non-starter,” says Lawson. “The history of outside interference in these revenues runs deep and Premier Redford cannot be seen as soft in defending her province’s. The issue for Premier Clark is being seen to defend the province’s interests, though how the ledger is balanced is ultimately less important than being seen to be militant and mildly pro-environment while remaining open to negotiation on new resource projects. Pipeline supporters must also acknowledge that First Nations, coastal communities and environmental activists have powerful interests in this fight. Any intergovernmental deal will be one piece of the proponent puzzle when resolving this conflict.”
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Jamie Lawson (Political Science) at 250-721-7496 or lawsonj@uvic.ca
Phil Saunders (UVic Communications) at 250-721-6139 or psaunder@uvic.ca
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