The Globe and Mail reports in its Tuesday, June 11, edition that the oil industry has developed
TV, print and on-line ads to extol
the national economic and social
benefits of the oil sands. The Globe's Kelly Cryderman writes the ads also
battle critics of oil sands development. The question is, are Canadians
moved by the pictures and words
paid for by big Canadian oil?
Innovative Research Group director Greg Lyle believes there is some
potential to move "the mushy
middle" of Canadian public opinion. A new poll by Mr. Lyle's firm
shows almost three in 10 British
Columbians "strongly oppose"
both oil pipelines and port facilities
for oil tankers.
But the same survey shows overall
opinions shift slightly to the positive
after people are given oil
"proponent messages" about the
safety record of pipelines and other benefits. The Canadian Energy Pipeline
Association is now spending $2.5-million annually on an array of
advertising.
Enbridge has spent $5-million
since the beginning of 2012
on ads for its Northern Gateway
pipeline project, which is going
through a Joint Review Panel process
and has been fiercely opposed
by some first nations and
coastal residents.
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