Oil Sands Question and Response (OSQAR) Blog

Teen takes on tailings challenge

What does one Calgary teen and oil sands developers have in common? They’re both working to address the issue of tailings ponds. Young entrepreneur, Hayley Todesco recently won the 2014 Stockholm Junior Water Prize for her work in treating tailings waste water. Using sand filters, she was able to grow bacteria that breaks down tailings pond waste water from the oil sands. Following her first award win, Hayley also competed at the Google Science Fair with other international youth where she received the Local Award and was named the winner for her age category. These are amazing accomplishments and we wish Hayley all the luck in her future work – is it too early to recruit her now?

If I had a million dollars…

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From science to literature to entertainment, there are prestigious prizes up for grabs in each of these fields to incent and recognize excellence and creativity.

Carbon emissions – a weekly contribution

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When you hear 'carbon emissions' you might assume someone’s talking about energy use or industry development, but you may be wrong. Carbon emissions can also come from food waste and one photographer is capturing it on film. Gregg Segal’s project, 7 Days of Garbage, showcases people among their weekly waste and is sure to make you think twice before throwing out that egg carton.

Oil sands and the economy: 5 things you may not know

Few deny oil sands development is benefitting Canada economically. There is disagreement, however, about the magnitude of the impact, the principal beneficiaries, and whether the economic bang outweighs potential negative social and environmental consequences.

Can shared targets result in shared results?

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Although Canada and the U.S. have pledged the same greenhouse gas reduction target by 2020, more progress appears to be made by our southern neighbor. So why does progress appear so different between the two countries? Policy Magazine explores the targets and how they do not take into account the different energy sources feeding the economy and providing electricity.

Apprentices ensure we’re at the top of our game

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Businesses, like sports teams, need a strong and reliable supply of new talent. 

Not just looking for dinosaurs

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Before a developer breaks ground, it’s important the company knows what the ground holds and if there is any cultural significance to it. Enter an archaeologist.

In a recent article, the Financial Post looks at how professional archaeologists are increasingly being used by companies developing natural resources as studying project sites is now part of the permitting process.

What’s in your tank?

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Pulling up to the pump to replenish our fuel tank inevitably triggers some familiar thoughts. 

“How much is filling up going to cost me this time?”

“My windshield is one big insect smear. Should I bother cleaning it?”

“Ooh. This one’s got fresh coffee and donuts. Do I have time to go in?”