To the Editor:
I am very confused as to what Neil Young's goal is with his "Honour the Treaties Tour", other than to senselessly slander the oil sands that provide economic sustenance for the very country, and Indian band, he claims to love.
In his only interview during the tour, he went on sputtering blatantly false facts about the environmental impact of oil sands production, a topic he clearly knows absolutely nothing about.
Neil Young claims to supports the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, yet refuses to acknowledge the fact that prior to oil sands production in their town, 90 per cent of residents were unemployed. Now 100 per cent have jobs, and Shell alone pumps $250 million/year into their economy.
Not to mention, the only ACFN member present at Young's press conference, Chief Allan Adam, was paid $55,000 to do so by an American charity. I consider attacking the very industry your people rely on a suspect act for the man that represents the ACFN.
It is true that the oil sands aren't perfect. It is also true that Neil Young's tirade against them is one full of lies, or at least a huge lack of knowledge on his part.
Neil, feel free to criticize the oil sands, or "tar sands" as you will say, but next time, try to actually criticize them, instead of whatever it is you're trying to do right now.
Michael Chorney, Montreal, QC.
