When: Sunday, February 1, 2pm

Where: Beit Zatoun, 612 Markham St, Toronto Bathurst & Bloor

Tar Sands extraction projects, located primarily in Treaty 6 and 8, have radically damaged and contaminated a huge area of land in so-called Alberta, and poisoned the Athabasca watershed. As a result of the toxic operations, some Indigenous communities are experiencing unusually high rates of rare cancers and other illnesses. Traditional ways of life are also at risk as hunting, fishing, and collecting medicinal plants is becoming more difficult in polluted waters and lands.

These lands are the traditional territories of a number of Indigenous Nations whose right to hunt, fish, and live are protected by Treaties, which are currently being violated.

Moreover, the tar sands are significantly contributing to catastrophic climate change, the effects of which are being felt around the world through extreme weather events. The tar sands are Canadas biggest and fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions.

At a time when many countries are moving towards renewable and green energy alternatives, Canada is continuing to push for Tar Sands expansion.

The current drop in the price of oil is helping to slow this trend for now, but prices will inevitably rise again, necessitating continued pressure to stop the irresponsible expansion. The decline in oil prices also raises questions about increases in fossil fuel demand and undermines various attempts at energy conversion using market processes.

Join us to hear about the tar sands extraction process, the controversial tailings ponds, and the resultant contamination of land and water, impacts on surrounding communities, and contribution to global climate change. You will also hear about Treaties in the area and Indigenous rights in general, as well as an assessment of the larger oil sector picture in this country.

Speakers:

Heather Milton Lightening, Indigenous Tar Sands Campaign

Keith Stewart, Climate & Energy Campaign Coordinator, Greenpeace Canada

Anna Zalik, Professor, Faculty of Environmental Studies, York University

The event is free.

The space is accessible by mobile ramp upon request in advance. The washrooms are located downstairs and are not accessible, unfortunately.

Recommended reading: A Line in the Tar Sands

http://alineinthetarsands.org/table-of-contents/

Sponsored by:

Centre for Social Justice, Greater Toronto Workers Assembly, Socialist Project

This is the second talk in the series:

Capitalism vs. Ecology: We Need to Change Everything!

Discussion series on ecology, economy, and social justice

The following topics are being covered over the course of four months with talks every three weeks on Sunday afternoons:

1 Discussion of Naomi Klein's new book "This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs the Climate"

Assessment of book and ideas on addressing climate change

January 11

2 Environmental Justice, the Tar Sands, and Indigenous Rights

The tar sands, impact on Indigenous communities and climate

February 1

3 Green Jobs: What Should Workers and Unions Struggle for?

The green work debate and how to move towards sustainable jobs

February 22

4 Climate Change and Capitalism: From the People's Climate March to the New UN Agreement on Global Warming

Overview of the global climate situation and agreements, and impacts on the Global South

March 15

5 Green Cities Against Neoliberal Urbanism? Urban Planning and Toronto Politics

Urban ecology, urban planning, and gender and ecology

April 5

6 We Need to Change Everything: Resistance and Alternatives

Overview of resistance movements in the Americas and a look at alternative models

April 26

Please check back for final dates and times.