Statement from Emilia Belliveau, Energy Transition Program Manager, Environmental Defence
Ottawa | Traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg People – Greenwashing was on full display earlier today as Members of Parliament grilled Suncor, the largest greenhouse gas emitter in Canada.
Despite the rhetoric at today’s committee hearing from CEO Rich Kruger, Suncor has doubled down on oil and gas by expanding production and divesting from renewable energy. Suncor has consistently lobbied to delay, weaken and kill any policies that would limit oil and gas emissions or production.
When we look at these actions and decisions, it’s obvious that Rich Kruger and Suncor are not allies in the fight against climate change. During the worst wildfire season in Canadian history, and worsening climate crises around the globe, Rich Kruger and Suncor are throwing gas on the fire.
Oil and gas companies like Suncor cannot be trusted to act in our best interest. Parliamentarians need to see through the oil and gas greenwashing and hold industry accountable. The first step is urgently implementing a strong oil and gas emissions cap that forces oil and gas companies to reduce their emissions on par with the rest of the economy, along with limiting the industry’s influence on climate policy.
Key Backgrounder Information:
- Suncor’s CEO Rich Kruger was called to testify in front of the Natural Resources Parliamentary committee to answer for his recent comments in a shareholder meeting, where he called for Suncor’s operations to be less focused on reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and more focused on maximizing profits.
- Prior to joining Suncor earlier this year, Rich Kruger accrued nearly forty years of oilpatch experience, all with ExxonMobil and Imperial Oil (which is majority-owned by Exxon). Exxon has known about the impacts of burning fossil fuels for over four decades, yet has done everything in its power to discredit climate science in order to protect its core business.
- Oil and gas companies continue to act as the largest barrier to climate policy in Canada.
- Suncor lobbied the Government of Canada 57 times between January and August, 2023.
- Suncor is laying off more than 1,500 workers to increase profits.
ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE (environmentaldefence.ca): Environmental Defence is a leading Canadian environmental advocacy organization that works with government, industry and individuals to defend clean water, a safe climate and healthy communities.
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For more information or to request an interview, please contact:
Allen Braude, Environmental Defence, media@environmentaldefence.ca
Photo credit for the images below: Environmental Defence
