PoPulationand Public HealtH etHics

practice
resolution calling for the provincial government to cease granting approval
for new oil sands projects until proper water management strategies have
been developed and implemented.
Resolution
Alberta Environment has appointed a Provincial Monitoring Panel to enhance
monitoring of the environmental impacts of Alberta’s oil sands. 9
Scenario shift
Consider if a different industry was linked to suspected population health
problems. For example, while Alberta and Canada’s economic health is deeply
rooted in oil and gas exports, the beef industry, with more than 4,000 feedlots
producing 39% of Canada’s commercial beef, is becoming an important
player in Canada’s economy. The sheer size of these operations has raised
questions about water quality and threats to public health. Are there similarities
in the cases? What ethical issues exist?
Questions for discussion
1 What evidence is needed to invoke action based on the precautionary
principle?
2 What ethical principles could be used to guide public policy development
for oil sands projects?
3 What factors or criteria should be used to assess whether development
is “sustainable” development? In particular, what ethical principles
should be included in this assessment? What is the role of public
health officials in ensuring that ethical principles, in particular health
equity issues, are addressed when communities make these determinations.
reFerences
1 Best, J. and Hoberg, G. (2008). Alberta’s Oil Sands: Key Issues and Impacts.
Economy, Trade & Finance. Retrieved from: http://www.mapleleafweb.com/
features/alberta-s-oil-sands-key-issues-and-impacts
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