U of A prof responds to Neil Young's oilsands critique

Neil Young is winding down his "Honour the Treaties" tour, a cross-country fundraiser aimed at halting a controversial expansion at the Alberta oilsands. 

Since Young's exclusive feature interview with Jian aired on Q Monday, and on CBC TV's The NationalWednesday, many have praised the musician's outrage and candor on the issue. But others have called for scrutiny of the statements he made on this show and throughout his tour.

• CBC Aboriginal: 5 facts about the First Nation Neil Young is singing for
• CBC News: Neil Young's anti-oilsands comments draw fire from industry

Today, Jian speaks to University of Alberta business school professor Andrew Leach. His recent article, Neil Young, the oil sands and the damage done, offers a different view on the issue.* 

Leach challenges Young's statements on the amount of Canadian oil being shipped to China, the impact of oilsands development, and the level of CO2 emissions from the area. But he also argues that we musn't stop there. Beyond the accuracy of Young's statements, he says the conversation should be about the pros and cons of the Jackpine expansion. 

* Full disclosure: Jian notes in the interview, as Leach does on his website, that the researcher is the recipient of an Enbridge-sponsored professorship. He receives $15 000 annually from the energy company. 

Watch or listen to Neil Young's interview on Q