To Frack or not to Frack?

Fracking is the popular term for a controversial process of retrieving natural gas. Technically known as hydraulic fracturing, this is the industrial practice of breaking apart sedimentary rocks thousands of meters underground to extract natural gas. This is done by using a pressurized mix of water and chemicals.

There is a lot of debate surrounding this technology and often this debate is limited to two extreme viewpoints. One side consists of those who think that fracking operations should be discontinued due to the potential threats posed to the environment and people’s health. The other viewpoint lies with the companies themselves using the process and its supporters (e.g. provincial governments). Their argument is that fracking spurs economic growth and creates jobs.

Both sides present valid and strong arguments. Chemicals pumped deep into the ground to extract natural gas generates risks. Especially when the recaptured frack fluid which contains not only fracking chemicals and salt but heavy metals and radioactive elements leached from shale rock, is brought to the surface. Any accidental spill can contaminate drinking water which becomes an emergency public health hazard.

Proponents of the process argue—and rightly so—that natural gas is cheap. It benefits consumers as a whole. The drilling and extraction process also provides employment opportunities which in turn translates to a livelier economy.

The problem with the current debate is that the right questions are not being addressed. Both sides seem to focus on this issue alone: Should we or should we not frack? There is no doubt that hydraulic fracturing enables us to extract gas from places that conventional technology has failed to in the past. When production has completed full scale, the economic benefits are bound to be tremendous. Not only in terms of cheaper natural gas for the country  and the economic growth that will inevitably occur but also in ensuring that we have our own supply, helping to secure our energy needs well into the future.

The real crux of the matter is this: Are we fracking correctly? Is the hydraulic fracturing process being conducted in a manner that is safe and environmentally sound? As a new and unproven technology, the risk of contaminating drinking water from spills or leaks in improperly managed wells is a real threat.  This threat  is not fully addressed by the current processes used by major practicing companies.

Furthermore, key players have not taken into consideration how fracking operations will compete with the water needs of Canadian communities. Most of the time, the main water sources for hydraulic fracturing are the very same rivers and lakes used for food gathering and travel.
Finally, there is the issue of transparency. Monitoring regulations have not been developed to a point where the public are fully informed of the activities of these companies and how these will affect their health and water supply.

The true debate is not the existence of fracking, but instead how the process can make both sides feel safe and happy.  We must address how to frack in a way that is safe, environmentally sound, and sustainable.

Boom Times for Alberta and Saskatchewan in 2013

If you’re looking for economic boom in 2013, you want to go west—to Saskatchewan and Alberta, that is. Canada’s Prairies are expected to exhibit a strong showing this year and will lead the rest of the country in economic growth.

Increased demand for potash and uranium in Saskatchewan from overseas customers will help revive mining activity in the province and will put the  economy in an upswing. The province of Saskatchewan  is going to be fueled primarily by population growth resulting in more consumer spending and a higher demand for housing. Already, the positive effects of growth are apparent: In February, the unemployment rate dropped by 0.3 percentage points compared to that of the previous month. In more tangible terms, this is reflected in the increase of 900 people who were employed compared to January this year. Statistics also reveal that compared to last February’s employment figures, the increase in the number of people employed is significant—there were 24, 400 more workers in the province this February.

Alberta, meanwhile, will continue to drive growth in Canada due to its strong energy sector. The development of Alberta’s oilsands will also be a major contributor to its GDP which is pegged at 3 percent this year. With these sectors robust, the construction boom in Alberta is also going to continue, further strengthening the economy. The economic growth is also strengthening the local population’s unemployment rates.  Like Saskatchewan, it has the lowest ratio of unemployed individuals for every job vacancy posted. At the national level, the ratio of unemployed people for a job vacancy was 5.7 in 2012 but in Alberta, the ratio is a meager 1.9 unemployed people for one job opportunity.

For those looking for greener pastures, Alberta and Saskatchewan  certainly have the platform to become  ideal destinations. However workers are bound to benefit more from the boom in Canada’s western provinces if they come prepared. Authorities note that the problem—and one of the barriers to Saskatchewan’s even stronger growth— lie in the shortage of skilled workers. If one’s goal is to not only gain employment in the prairies but to also be highly compensated for the work, then obtaining training and education beforehand will be essential.  Some sectors to focus on include agriculture, mining, and construction. Possessing these desired skills are certainly going to work in your favor should you be considering a permanent move to the Prairies.