Federal politicians criticize Alberta Energy Regulator over oilsands leak, monitoring

Nov 28, 2023 | 12:26 PM

OTTAWA — Federal politicians have criticized the Alberta Energy Regulator at an environment committee meeting looking into two releases of oilsands wastewater at Imperial Oil’s Kearl mine earlier this year. 

Liberal member of Parliament Adam van Koeverden tried to pass a motion expressing disappointment at the regulator’s performance.

The motion, which wasn’t voted on, also called for a study into the industry’s health impacts, as well as safety audits for all oilsands tailings ponds. 

It followed a testy session that saw detailed questioning of Laurie Pushor, the head of the regulator.