Tuesday, Jan. 22, marked the second pipeline protest to hit Edmonton’s surrounding highways.
While the vast majority of Albertans are in agreement that the pipeline is integral to our economy, many have questioned the effectiveness of these protests.
In mid-December, a similar protest took place, which resulted in major highway traffic slowing to a crawl. Tuesday’s convoy was organized by the “Stand Up Canada Yellow Vest Pipeline Rally,” the goal of which was to raise awareness of a multitude of issues, including immigration, the energy sector and, most notably, pipelines.
While I respect Canadians' right to peaceful protest, I have to question the effectiveness of this particular strategy.
The most recent protest had a smaller turnout than originally anticipated. However, any large number of vehicles occupying the left lane of Anthony Henday Drive will undoubtedly affect Albertans’ commutes.
The first protest that took place resulted in several students being late for their final exams, adding stress to an already taxing time. Such an interruption also affects emergency vehicles’ routes and response times, while using valuable police time and resources.
I cannot help but consider the unnecessary use of gas, the subsequent financial drain on protesters and the environmental effect of excess vehicle traffic.
The above logistics aside, perhaps the most troubling aspect of the recent pro-pipeline protests has been one of the intended targets. Premier Rachel Notley is pro-pipeline, as are the vast majority of Albertans. If Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is the intended target, bring the convoy to Ottawa instead of attempting to garner attention of locals are who are widely aware of the realities of the pipeline debate.
If Twitter is any indication of local opinion, many were in agreement with the reasoning behind the protest but felt inconvenienced by the result. One user tweeted this description of the protesters: “Being out of work/income but paying for the gas it takes to drive around a big truck on the Henday all day, inconveniencing everyone who has nothing to do with your problem.”
Another added: “Why the need for *another* convoy on the Henday? I supported the first one (despite the fact it royally pissed off half of #yeg). What’s the point of doing it all over again one month later? What am I missing here?”
The oil and gas industry are paramount to Alberta’s economy, and Canada’s economy by extension. However, if anything, this protest highlights some larger issues: how singularly dependent our economy is, and our federal government's investment, or lack thereof, in Albertans’ well-being.
I personally believe pipelines are vital to Alberta’s economy and are therefore vital to Albertans’ well-being.
However, I also believe it is vital that we diversify our economy for the future of our province, as for the many Indigenous people who have not expressed consent to pipelines being built through their land.
Ultimately, these beliefs were not changed by the convoy of trucks in mid-December, nor were they affected by Tuesday’s protest.
If Albertans wish to continue their protest, I suggest they take their trucks off the Henday and on to Parliament Hill.
Jennifer Hamilton is a local student and writer.
