Oil Sands Strong founder Robbie Picard embarked on a cross-Canada bus tour to educate people about the oil and gas industry and is preparing to launch a publication about the topic. .“When Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre wore an Oil Sands Strong hoodie while walking with his young daughter in his riding in Carleton, Ontario — and shared the photo to social — he likely had no idea it would start a fire storm of controversy and spark the idea for a cross-country tour to showcase the positive impact of the oil and gas industry on the lives of Canadians,” said Oil Sands Strong in a press release. .The Carleton Federal Liberal Association attacked Poilievre for wearing the hoodie, accusing him of climate change denial and racism. The release said Picard fought back, “incensed by the accusation that supporting the oil sands industry, an integral part of the Canadian economy, is intrinsically linked to climate change denial and racism.”.From this incident, the release said the idea for a cross-country bus tour was formed. It said the tour will stop in Canadian cities to talk with people about how oil and gas development helps them. .The release went on to say Picard will film people who are involved with the oil and gas industry and bring their stories with him to Ottawa. It added Picard wants this tour to “bring Canadians together under the banner of belief in an industry that both directly and indirectly increases quality of life for all residents of our country.” .The tour coincides with Oil Sands Strong doing content development for a monthly publication called Oil and Gas World Magazine. This magazine will be accompanied by a weekly video series showcasing the lives of oil and gas workers and the community surrounding the industry. .The release said the magazine and videos are designed to give people the motivation and will to support Canadian oil and gas. .The Canadian economy relies on oil and gas, and Oil Sands Strong said its initiatives will “compel Canadians to fight for an industry that directly and indirectly benefits every Canadian.”.“We also want to restore the pride Canadians justifiably should feel for an industry that operates ethically, provides tremendous opportunity and potential, and embraces innovation,” it said. .“The oil and gas industry has become a divisive topic in our country, and it doesn’t need to be if we can find a way to share stories that focus not on stock prices but on the very Canadians who rely on the industry not only for their livelihood but to maintain and improve their quality of life through the many products oil and gas contribute to creating.” .A group of 101 Canadian energy leaders published an open letter September 16 requesting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau help the energy industry. .READ MORE: Canadian energy executives demand Trudeau stop restricting industry.“We, the undersigned, are writing you today to express our commitment to global energy markets and raise concerns regarding your government’s treatment of Canadian energy producers,” said the group. .“We strongly urge you to end your government’s suppression of our energy industry.”
