CALGARY – The president of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers says rock legend Neil Young’s anti-oilsands statements are irresponsible and do a disservice to the aboriginals he’s trying to help.
Dave Collyer made his remarks ahead of Young’s fundraising concert in Winnipeg.
Tonight’s concert will be the second stop on a four-city circuit in support of a First Nation that lives downstream from the oilsands.
Collyer says the musician’s statements show a lack of understanding about the oilsands and the economic benefits they bring.
READ MORE: Neil Young responds to criticism from Prime Minister’s Office
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Collyer says he’d be happy to meet with Young on the final stop of the “Honour the Treaties” tour in Calgary this weekend.
Conservative Manitoba MP Candice Bergen has released a statement criticizing the anti-oilsands stance of – quote – “champagne socialists” who “hypocritically” use products made from oil.
Young’s tour is meant to raise money for the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, which is in a legal battle to protect traditional territory from further industrialization.
READ MORE: Neil Young raises his voice against Canada’s oilsands
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